Public hearing slated for connector route on U.S. 49 in Jonesboro

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) will host a Location and Design Public Hearing in Jonesboro on Thursday (Nov. 20), to discuss the design plans and environmental assessment for the proposed connector route from U.S. Highway 49 (Red Wolf Boulevard) to Arkansas Highway 351 (Airport Road) in Jonesboro.

The hearing will be held at Grace Missionary Baptist Church.

The city of Jonesboro and Arkansas State University have partnered with ARDOT on the development of this project. The project will cost between $10 million and $15 million, and the city has agreed to pay $1 million of that cost.

The purpose of this project is to improve connectivity and mobility, reduce congestion on Aggie Road and Highway 351, provide safe accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists, and improve stormwater drainage systems.

At the north and south ends of the connector, roundabouts will be installed. There will also be sidewalks along the new route.