GRAVETTE -- Several area citizens attended a public involvement meeting held Tuesday evening, Aug. 29, in the commons area at Gravette High School. An invitation had been issued by staff from the Arkansas Department of Transportation for area residents to attend and provide input on the need for and feasibility of improvements for the Highway 59 and Highway 72 Corridor.
ARDOT staff members acknowledged that these corridors have experienced significant traffic growth in recent years, and their study will consider what improvements are needed to address the additional demands. Areas being studied are Highway 59 from Siloam Springs to the Missouri state line and Highway 72 between Highway 59 in downtown Gravette and Interstate 49.
"This study is needed to ensure that western Benton County's transportation network will satisfy future demands," according to ARDOT. "The study corridors will be examined from a safety, congestion and connectivity standpoint while also considering the region's economic and quality of life needs. Both the current and long-term future needs will be considered."
Input is needed to better understand the desires of area drivers. Local residents' experiences traveling in the area will be used to help determine what problems need to be examined. Citizens are encouraged to fill out a comment form to provide a record of their concerns and ideas. These will be used while conducting the study.
An identical meeting was held Thursday evening at the Gentry Public Library.
Those unable to attend the public input meetings may obtain a comment form at Gravette City Hall or online at www.ardot.gov.publicmeetings. Comment forms may be submitted until 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 2.
Susan Holland/Westside Eagle Observer
Maps were laid out on tables in the commons area at Gravette High School Tuesday evening, August 29, showing the area covered by the Highway 59 and Highway 72 corridor study. As citizens attending the ARDOT public meeting gave input regarding problem areas a sticky note was attached to the map in the area of the concern.
Susan Holland/Westside Eagle Observer
Mayor Kurt Maddox (left) visits with Gravette citizens, including recently retired school resource officer Brian McKenzie, at an ARDOT sponsored public meeting Tuesday evening, Aug. 29, in the commons area at Gravette High School. The meeting was held to secure citizen input regarding traffic concerns and ideas for improvements.