Makeover planned for Gravette intersection

— The intersection at Highways 59 south and 72 east in Gravette is about to get a new look - a makeover - to improve the appearance of the intersection and make it more attractive, not only to local citizens but also to motorists driving through Gravette.

The project is being funded by two grants secured through the efforts of Allyson Ransom, director of communications and resource efficiency for the city.

The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department has awarded $25,000 to the city of Gravette, matched by an additional $6,000 from the Gravette Community Foundation, to fund the improvements.

Two landscaped beds will be constructed on the west side of the intersection at Second Avenue SW. The site is actually on city propertyand highway right-of-way.

Triangular in shape, the beds will be bordered by landscaping stones and will contain plantings of nursery stock appropriate to such self-contained areas.

Plantings will include hollies, crabapples, stella de oro daylilies and several specimens of grasses, including Mexican feather grass.

A service water line will be installed to the site to provide irrigation during heat and drought months.

The landscaping design was created by Morrison-Shipley, a Bentonville engineering firm, and includes all appropriate topsoil and soil amenities required for the perpetual appearance of the site.

News, Pages 8 on 03/14/2012