Alleviation for traffic congestion on highways providing access to Pea Ridge is planned over the next year and a study of the traffic flow has been requested.
Arkansas Highway Commission chairman Dick Trammel asked engineer Steve Lawrence to conduct a traffic study on Arkansas Highway 72 west of Pea Ridge.
"First thing I have to do is determine what's needed," Lawrence said, when shown videos of traffic congestion on both Arkansas Highway 72 and 94 from Pea Ridge in the morning hours from 6:30 to 8 a.m.
"What the study does," Trammel said, "is show alternative methods to improve the highway. You've got to have the study first.
"I understand your problems. Your mayor does a great job. I will commit, as your commissioner, to do the study," Trammel said, adding "I know that's a hamburger for a steak."
Population growth in both the community and school is cited as the motivating factor in numerous "vision" meetings spearheaded by school superintendent Rick Neal, who said the school population increased by 9 percent.
"We don't want to become a commuter school," Neal said, referring to a large number of students selecting Pea Ridge but living in Rogers and Bentonville.
Traffic on Arkansas Highways 94 and 72 was part of the focus recently with Arkansas Highway Commission chairman Dick Trammel, Arkansas Highway Department engineer Steve Lawrence and County Judge Bob Clinard as guest. A video taken during morning traffic congestion was shown.
"With all that growth, which is good and well, but ... we are seeing things in our community that are a little marginal. We've been discussing amenities. From my standpoint as a school leader, within a year, I'll have to go back and talk to my board and tell them that with us growing at that capacity, within three years, I'll need to build," Neal said, adding that even if he started planning today, it's a two-year process to plan and build a new school.
Meeting to discuss problems and seek solutions, the group has met for several months. Those meeting include Community First president Brad Paul, Arvest president Jeff Neil, Planning Commission chairman Zachary Hoyt, and other business leaders including, Mayor Jackie Crabtree, Dr. Delilah Parker, realtor Mike Adams, City Council member Lance Sanders, pastor and planner Al Fowler, Police Chief Ryan Walker and Police Capt. Chris Olson.
General News on 09/30/2015