City of Jonesboro moves forward with infrastructure improvement funding application

Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – The City of Jonesboro is set to apply for a $21 million federal grant, known as a BUILD grant, to help fund infrastructure safety improvements near the Ridge Athletic Complex.

The City is investing an additional $5.5 million in money generated by revenue bonds. The Finance Committee of the Jonesboro City Council approved the measure Tuesday, Feb. 10.  The measure goes before the full council on Feb. 17.

The $74 million Ridge Athletic Complex is located near Caraway Road and Race Street, an intersection traversed by nearly 20,000 vehicles a day. The City’s proposed project will increase traffic capacity by adding two turning lanes and a pass-through lane. It will further facilitate vehicular traffic by extending sidewalks south of the intersection down Caraway Road.

“To ensure that the Ridge is a permanent boon to the local economy – and pays for itself over time, we must ensure that visitors enjoy their stay here,” said Mayor Harold Copenhaver.  “Existing traffic issues could undermine that goal. This is an opportunity to not only fix existing traffic issues but improve them longer term.”

The safety enhancement project includes 6-foot sidewalks and 10-foot sidepaths on opposite sides of South Caraway Road. Construction is scheduled to start this spring.

The project complements Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT) plans to enhance efficiency along the Interstate 555 corridor.

The BUILD grant would help facilitate the project resulting in fast, safe and efficient traffic flow down Caraway Road through the I-555 interchange all the way to the Ridge Athletic Center.

Director of Operations Tony Thomas said improved pedestrian accommodations will make travel to the sports complex safer and easier for drivers, walkers and cyclists alike.  “It is essential to the city’s long-term success that we 1) widen Caraway Road; 2) expand the intersection at Race Street; and 3) accommodate pedestrians en route to the Ridge with sidewalks and sidepaths that not only will facilitate foot traffic but also free drivers, walkers and bicyclers from the hazards of sharing a busy thoroughfare, “ said Thomas.

The BUILD grant project will be on display at the community meeting Thursday, Feb. 12, from 5-7 p.m. at the Earl Bell Center on Church Street.  The purpose of the meeting is to garner Jonesboro residents’ input in developing a 30-year plan for developing the city.