Jonesboro Receives Grant To Control Busy Intersection

A grant will help control traffic at a busy intersection that has become busier over the years, officials said Thursday.

The city of Jonesboro received word that it will receive a $174,549 highway grant to install a signal light at the corner of Valley View Drive and Darr Hill Road.

Mayor Harold Perrin said the intersection near U.S. 49 is busy with traffic from nearby Valley View High School as well as agricultural traffic going west on the highway.

The road from U.S. 63 to Valley View has been expanded to five lanes in recent years, leading to the traffic issues.

As for a timetable when the light will be built, Perrin said it would likely be in place before the next school year.

As for the schools, Perrin said state highway officials told him Wednesday that the city would receive funding from the Safe Routes to School program.

The next step involves city officials talking to superintendents at Jonesboro, Nettleton, Valley View and Westside about needs, Perrin said.

The city will also receive funding to help build a walking trail at Craighead Forest Park.