ArDOT proposes plan to improve Hwys 49 and 351

 With the recent escalation of traffic experienced on Hwy. 49 and Hwy. 351 in Jonesboro, the Arkansas Department of Transportation has recently presented a developed plan they hope might resolve some of the congestion issues being experienced.

The proposal requests a widening of both Hwy. 49 and Hwy. 351 to 6 and 5 lanes, respectively.  If accepted, two additional lanes will be added onto Hwy. 49 and a turn lane will be built on Hwy. 351.  The plan additionally encompasses an improvement to the intersection of both highways to accomodate the width changes. 

The committee hopes that adding a turn lane on 351 will prevent traffic from being stalled by drivers needing to turn across oncoming traffic.  Currently, vehicles must stop in the main lane, thus blocking traffic from continuing. Installing a turn lane would create a place for drivers to wait safely for a time to turn while simutaenously allowing thru-traffic to continue, thus diminishing the degree of congestion experienced on the road. 

The plan is awaiting approval.  An open-house meeting will be held in the Activity Center of Family Fellowship Baptist Church from 4-7 pm at 2441 N. Old Greensboro Rd.. Anyone who would like the opportunity to view displays of the proposed project, ask questions or share comments are invited to attend.