Interstate 530: Little Rock to Pine Bluff – Arkansas

Join us for a 46-mile drive along Interstate 530, heading south from Little Rock to Pine Bluff, Arkansas. This route follows what was once a segment of U.S. Highway 65, now a designated Interstate corridor offering a faster, limited-access alternative through the central Arkansas Delta region.

We begin our journey just south of downtown Little Rock, at the interchange where I-530 branches off from Interstate 30 near the Arkansas River port district. From here, the road heads southeast and quickly becomes a rural freeway. This early segment serves as a vital commuter link for residents of southern Pulaski County. Before long, we pass AR-338 (Dixon Road), which serves the Woodyardville area just beyond the Little Rock city limits. The highway continues through woodlands and lowland farm areas before reaching U.S. Highway 167 near Woodson, offering travelers connections toward Sheridan and points southwest.

Continuing south, I-530 remains a smooth and scenic route through Hensley, Redfield, and Jefferson, with occasional glimpses of timberland and small ponds dotting the landscape. Redfield offers a good spot for a quick stop, with basic amenities and a small-town atmosphere. Further south, Jefferson is home to the National Center for Toxicological Research — a notable presence in an otherwise quiet stretch. As we enter Jefferson County, the pace picks up near White Hall, where we meet U.S. Highway 270, a major east-west route that connects to Hot Springs and Pine Bluff.

After US-270, I-530 begins its southern bypass of Pine Bluff, curving around the edge of the city rather than heading into the urban core. This bypass helps route through traffic away from local congestion and connects with U.S. Highways 79 and 63, both important regional corridors. The US-79 interchange provides access to Watson Chapel and other southern Pine Bluff neighborhoods, while US-63 heads toward Warren and El Dorado.  The final leg of I-530 curves northeastward, linking back up with U.S. Highway 65 southeast of town — marking the end of this segment and the continuation of the journey for southbound travelers toward Lake Village or even Baton Rouge.

Whether you’re commuting, exploring, or just passing through, this stretch of Interstate 530 offers a smooth and efficient drive through the heart of southeast Arkansas. While not a scenic showstopper, it’s a key route for linking two of the state’s major cities — with easy connections to state parks, forestland, and the Arkansas Delta’s unique character.