Adverse improvement?

Two Little Rock businesses have sued the state and its highway department in connection with roadway changes along Highway 10.

The complaint claims that two properties were damaged by highway improvements that resulted in closing direct access from Highway 10 to Watt Street.

The first lawsuit alleges the street closing reduced access to Triple S Spraybays at 2200 Watt St., causing the car wash business to become unprofitable and close.

Claimed damages? $152,000.

The second lawsuit claims the Watt Street closing hurt the 7801 Cantrell Road office building to the tune of $118,000.

The alleged damages here revolve around reduced access for the building's tenants to Highway 10 (aka Cantrell Road) and motorists using the project's private parking lot as a public link between Watt Street and Biscayne Drive to get around the dead-end.

The state's response to the complaints?

"We don't necessarily agree with that, but everyone is entitled to their day in court," said Randy Ort, spokesman for the Arkansas Highway & Transportation Department.