Aggie Road to Airport Road connector gets environmental nod

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) is providing public notice of the availability of the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the proposed new connector from Aggie Road, near Arkansas 49 (Red Wolf Boulevard), to Highway 351 (Airport Road) in Jonesboro.

The Federal Highway Administration has issued a FONSI, clearing the way for the next phase of project development. This means the project will have no significant impact on the human or natural environment.

The purpose of this project is to improve connectivity, pedestrian and bicyclist safety, and stormwater drainage. Proposed improvements include a new connection between Aggie Road and Highway 351 (Airport Road) including roundabouts at each end, sidewalks and a shared-use path, replacement of a box culvert, and drainage improvements.

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.

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