ArDOT to host meeting in Siloam Springs on Interstate 412 project

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT) has scheduled another meeting as part of a feasibility study to convert U.S. Highway 412 from Oklahoma to Arkansas into an interstate.

ArDOT, in coordination with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), will host the meeting from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday (June 13) at Simmons Great Hall at John Brown University at 2000 W. University St. in Siloam Springs.

According to a news release, this is the third in-person meeting regarding the U.S. Highway 412 Planning and Environmental Linkages study. The formal process allows data collected at the planning stage to be used during the next phases of environmental review to eliminate duplication of work. The third meeting will allow attendees to review the findings of the alternatives analysis. The previous meeting in October allowed attendees to review the potential transportation solutions or alternatives for the project.

The meeting will be an open forum without a formal presentation. Attendees can view exhibits, ask questions and provide comments. Those who cannot attend can view the meeting materials online and make comments from June 4-28.

The study scope includes about 190 miles from Interstate 35 in Oklahoma to Interstate 49 in Arkansas. The $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act designated this segment of Highway 412 as a high-priority corridor and future interstate. ArDOT is working with ODOT to complete an engineering study of the highway. The study is expected to identify needed improvements and prioritize them to prepare the highway for becoming an interstate.