The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department began land acquisition for the project in October 2006, but no funding has been provided for construction as of January 2025.

Preliminary studies indicate the bridge, which is part of I-69 SIU 12, would be 4.25 miles (6.84 km) long, with one 1,500-foot (460 m) cable-stayed span over the main channel of the river supported by two 450-foot (140 m) towers.

Originally part of the planned relocation of US-278 through the lower Mississippi Delta, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved the environmental impact statement (EIS) and issued a Record of Decision (ROD) for the bridge in 2004.

The Charles W. Dean Bridge project has cleared all of its environmental and permitting reviews, and is considered "shovel ready," pending the availability of funds for construction.

[3] In its 2011-2013 Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan, the AHTD stated intentions to begin construction of the Arkansas approach roadways and structures in 2011, subject to funding.