City Council Discusses Local Bypasses Again
July 31st, 2013 by Sarah Spencer
At their last meeting, the Mayor addressed the Council about the possible construction of two roads with a grant from the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department. These roads would run from North Scogin Drive to Hwy. 278 and from Hwy. 278 to Barkada Road, for the purpose of reducing traffic congestion.
The Highway Department is currently holding a grant for the City in the amount of $1 million, to be used for road construction. The grant was funded by the Federal Government, and although the Federal Government has stopped the program, the State Highway Department still has some of the money for the grants. Because the City of Monticello had their grant application approved before the Federal funding ended, the AHTD will provide the money for grant to the City of Monticello. The grant money will probably be available in 2015, or possibly 2016. The City will have to pay the AHTD $35,000 to get the $1 million. If the City follows through and builds the roads, the $35,000 will be refunded. The road projects will cost approximately $3.5-$4 million for the road from Scogin Drive to Hwy. 278, and approximately $2-2.5 million for the road from Hwy. 278 to Barkada Road. The City of Monticello will need the balance of the money to complete the road projects in order to get the $1 million.
The City Council discussed whether they should plan to build one or both roads, and how to raise the additional funds needed. The Council discussed the possibility of financing through the local banks, or by issuing bonds. A representative of Stevens, Inc. addressed the Council about bonds. The Mayor stated that he is anticipating meeting with the AHTD in the next week or two, as well as the bond advisors, and will report back to the Council. Council members raised the question of the City’s project priorities, with all Council members agreeing that the water project is the most pressing. It was suggested that a Planning Committee should be formed to establish what the City’s top priority projects will be.
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Bypass development for Urban and Rural cities and communities primary function is to eliminate tractor trailer rigs and heavy or oversized equipment from flowing via the main traffic artery for the citizens of the respective city or community and secondary, eliminate excess traffic flow for those passing through to other destinations but ready access to commercial real estate establishments and or tour specific Historic sites. The Drew Memorial/Barkada roadway is simply a Monticello convenience for those in Wards Two and Four, our Upper Middle/Middle Class entities which for a city of this size strategically has to be primary last. The sector from US 425 South via Price Lumber Company to Arkansas 35 which will eliminate tractor trailer inner city traffic completely, saving millions on infrastructure repairs and most important safety issues. The US 425 traffic will continue North South until such time that the I-69 by pass is completed via US425 to US 278 and US 530 under construction which will then eliminate all Big Rigs from the inner city except those for specific deliveries. The worst scenario for any Government is to appease a special interest and not the betterment of Monticello. The administration and the Council should seek this primary instead of the convenience. The city is positioned over the next decade to be a giant in economic, educational, medical marketplace for this region called cornerstone and this by pass will give validity to select Monticello. Share this with the Administration and your Alderman for consideration, the plans and hopes will be shattered if this most vital bypass not constructed.
Sam Wherry-Senior Marketing Research Analyst
I agree with Mr. Wherry on the road at lumber company, but I know that the road from scogin dr to 278 is needed. It needs to be for ambulances and persons trying to get to doctors appointments especially during school times. Jordan Drive from south main to scogin drive is horrible. If you have ever ridden in the back of the ambulance strapped to a backboard and riding over that road them you know how bad it is. Please fix that drive
These two roads are in the best interest of Monticello. Many benefits. It’d be safer, more convenient and cheaper if Price moved out to the Industrial complex.
“The sector from US 425 South via Price Lumber Company to Arkansas 35 ” runs through the oldest most historical part of Monticello. There is a monument there. Some of the oldest trees along this route witnessed the birth of Monticello. Once, there were five natural springs along this proposed routes that flowed fresh water steams towards Bayou Bartholomew and the Saline. There is an historical cemetery along this route named after our 12th President who may have passed through Monticello on his way to Mexico in 1846. We should tread lightly and consider aspects of our existence other than economic development and special interest groups.
I can see the benefit of having a road from the hospital/schools to 278. I don’t get, however, how the section between 278 and Barkada Rd has any benefit. Turn left on 278 from the new road and you’re not far from 530, which gets you to 35. Turn right on 278 from the new road and you’re almost back to town. The only reason I could ever think of to go straight to Barkada Rd is if you are going to Barkada rd. What’s the point of putting this section to Barkada Rd in?
Confused, 278 already connects with 530 and Barkada also meets with 530, which connects with 35, I am confused as to where this proposed road going when it meets at Barkada
Looks like to me that some of the proposed routes will be in the county. Has the County or any Economic Development Commisions been approached to participate in the cost or any discussion.
The primary reasons to construct roads is mobility and accessibllity. Project 1 will help aid in getting traffic in and out near the hospital and schools. Project 2 will help in the devolment with property behind Wall-Mart and for Barkada road.
Everyone knew that access to the hosiptial and school would be limited when they were built years ago. For those who sit in traffic on their way to school that is what happens when the city allowed this. Now we will be asked to add another city tax to pay for a road to the school and a few individuals to make money in development.
I would like to see a Better map of this proposed road, I cant tell from the picture of the map you put up