I-30: Little Rock to Texarkana

This drive begins at the interchange with Interstate 430 on the southwest side of Little Rock, where I-30 branches off and heads southwest toward Texarkana and the Texas state line. Leaving the urban core behind, the route first passes through the fast-growing suburbs of Bryant and Benton. It’s important to note that since this video was recorded, the segment near Benton has undergone a significant rehabilitation project, including new lane configurations, restructured interchanges, and updated signage. Because of this, the portion of I-30 near Benton shown in this footage is now considered a “Lost Highway,” capturing a view of the route before its modern redesign.

Beyond Benton, the highway transitions into more open and rolling landscapes, typical of central Arkansas. It continues southwest through Saline County, eventually crossing the Saline River before arriving at Malvern around mile marker 98—a local hub known for its brick industry and access to Hot Springs via U.S. Route 270.

From Malvern, the route winds through the wooded hills and farmland of southwest Arkansas. Arkadelphia marks the next major stop, home to two universities and recreational areas like DeGray Lake Resort State Park. Continuing along, the highway bypasses smaller towns such as Gurdon and Prescott, with stretches of open road lined by pine forests and agricultural fields.

Further southwest, the highway passes through Hope, famous as the birthplace of President Bill Clinton, before entering the final leg toward Texarkana. In this section, the scenery remains dominated by timberlands as the route skirts the northern side of Texarkana, reaching the Texas state line under the State Line Ave (U.S. Route 71) overpass.

Interstate 30 from Little Rock to Texarkana offers a direct and efficient connection between central Arkansas and northeast Texas. This video captures the route prior to recent modernization efforts—especially around Benton—providing a snapshot of how this important corridor once looked before the upgrades.