Too many bumps in the road

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Ten years ago this month, on Oct. 19, 2000, a meeting was held in the county seeking input for improvements in the state highway system.

Of course the meeting was dominated by the “big boys” to the east and much of the discussion centered on completing the Bella Vista Bypass.

Being Justice of the Peace for this area at the time, I submitted a list of items as suggestions for a “priority package” which was to be compiled for northwest Arkansas andBenton County.

Following is the list. I have no comment other than it does make interesting reading. What do you think?

◊Relocate Highway 102 from west of Centerton to Highway 59 at Midway Church between Gravette and Decatur. (This was surveyed in the mid-1950s).

◊Widen Highway 59 through Gravette to three lanes to include a turning lane.

◊Widen shoulders on Highway 72 west from Gravette to Maysville.

◊Include Mt. Pleasant Road north from Mt. Pleasant Church to Bella Vista Highlands in the state highway system or at least make it eligible for state participation.

◊Widen bridges on Highway 59 (two bridges) north of Sulphur Springs.

◊Install a creeper lane on Highway 59 north of Gravette on the hill and widen the pavement north from Gravette to the Missouri state line.

◊And finally this suggestion: Expedite Highway 540 north and west of Bella Vista as quickly as possible - even consider making it a toll road if necessary.

Time creeps along, doesn’t it? I suppose it can’t move much faster. There are just too many bumps in the road.

Opinion, Pages 7 on 10/06/2010