Skip to Content

Major construction at VA hospital starts April 11

New main entrance construction zone graphic

$8.7 million new front entrance project will modernize facility, ease access.

Beginning Monday, April 11, the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System will close its south entrance and roadway at John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital in Little Rock.

Entry to the area will be fenced off and closed to all traffic and personnel as part of the facility’s $8.7 million new front entrance project. The main entrance and main parking lot entrance will remain open. Signage will direct visitors and Veterans to open areas.

This first major phase of the construction project will take approximately eight to nine months and will affect visitor parking along the south side of the hospital.

“This project is a major step forward for our facility, but it’s going to make parking an issue during the short term of the project. Our VA police and staff will proactively monitor parking to ensure ease of access for our Veterans and visitors,” said Dr. Margie Scott, Medical Center Director. “We ask our Veterans, caregivers, visitors and staff to be patient while the project moves forward.”

The construction project improvements include:

  • New physical security.  Increased lighting.
  • New traffic flow and patient drop-off areas.  Covered pedestrian areas.
  • Two-lane, one-way, entry road with covered pedestrian areas.
  • New signage clearly marking areas for quick access to clinical areas.  New roadway markings.
  • Contemplation and Healing gardens.
  • New flag plaza prominently placed.
  • Easy entry from W 7th Street, closer to I-630 exit.

The 15-month project will severely affect vehicular and pedestrian traffic at the hospital and will narrow parking options.  Veterans, caregivers, visitors, and staff are asked to be patient while the project moves forward.

See all stories