East Harding high school construction: demolition progress, traffic plans and dust controls outlined

District construction staff presented a progress update on the new East Harding high school site, described scheduled demolition milestones and outlined temporary traffic and parking plans for the upcoming football season at the Aug. 27 Pine Bluff School District board meeting.

The update is significant because demolition, large earthworks and construction staging are under way near active school and neighborhood areas; the district said planning is aimed at preserving game‑day access while keeping students, visitors and workers safe.

A project presenter showed still photos and video of demolition and site work. Staff said crews have brought in roughly 35,000 cubic yards of fill to raise the building footprint and that major demolition work is proceeding across multiple campus buildings. A demolition milestone for the Patterson building was projected to be complete the week of Sept. 9; the McGeorge building demolition was estimated for about mid‑October, followed by the removal of the Trice Academy building. The Trice Gymnasium and visiting‑team locker room will remain in use through the football season.

Site sequencing described by staff calls for crews to bring in precast concrete pieces for storm drainage starting about Sept. 5 and to begin concrete layout for the southeast corner of the new building. Staff said once central demolition is finished, crews will shift to heavy site work and then begin building foundation work, moving in a roughly clockwise pattern around the building footprint.

On traffic and parking, the district said it is designating primary parking for home football games in the northern lots (including parking near the Arkansas River Educational Service Cooperative/ARESC and the softball complex) and will run a limited shuttle for spectators who need assistance. A controlled‑access ADA lot will be maintained in the northeast corner of the existing campus parking, with school personnel managing access. Eighth Street between Beach and Laurel will be closed for high‑school Friday night games to reduce crossing conflicts and allow emergency vehicle staging; the two main ticket booths will remain at the southeast and northwest corners of the stadium. Staff also described a fenced pathway to move visiting teams from a staging area to the stadium and a separate players'/coaches' parking area north of the multipurpose building.

A board member asked whether the district had received community complaints about dust from demolition. Construction staff said the district had received one call and that crews are using water trucks to wet down work areas, spraying building exteriors during demolition and working with the local utility to cap fire hydrants to assist with dust control. Staff said these measures are intended to minimize particulate matter for residents and for people with respiratory sensitivities.

Board and staff said they have coordinated with local police and fire to develop a traffic management plan and emphasized signage, controlled access and staff/volunteer marshals for game nights. Staff asked residents to observe posted detours and to use designated parking lots during events.

District staff said they will continue to provide schedule updates as demolition milestones and site work progress.