Monticello, Arkansas – A major milestone for the City of Monticello will be marked on Wednesday, July 23, at 11 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the highly anticipated Scogin Drive Extension project. The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), along with local officials, will gather to unveil the newly constructed infrastructure that promises to enhance traffic flow, improve safety, and connect key areas of the city.
The Scogin Drive Extension project, which has been under development for some time, involves the creation of a new railroad overpass and the installation of two roundabouts. These roundabouts will be located at two crucial intersections: Scogin Drive and Highway 83 Spur (Jordan Drive) and Scogin Drive and Old Warren Road. The design aims to address traffic congestion while ensuring smoother travel for commuters and visitors alike.
One of the major benefits of this project is the direct access it now provides between Highway 83 Spur and Highway 278. This improvement not only enhances the overall efficiency of traffic flow but also significantly reduces the travel time for those navigating through Monticello. This project is expected to have a lasting impact on the region’s transportation network, ensuring that the flow of vehicles remains steady, especially at peak times.
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The $30 million project was awarded to Mobley Contractors, Inc. and was the result of a successful collaboration between ARDOT, the City of Monticello, and Drew County. This partnership highlights the power of local government and state agencies working together to address the evolving needs of the community. Financial contributions came from various sources, with the City of Monticello investing $2.5 million into the project. Notably, $709,000 of this amount was awarded through the Delta Regional Authority, which assists in funding projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure in economically distressed areas. Drew County also contributed $505,000 to the project’s funding.
“This project exemplifies the power of partnership,” ARDOT Director Jared Wiley said. “Partnering projects allow us to work with cities and counties to directly respond to the needs of a community. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the City of Monticello and Drew County on this project. We believe it will lead to increased safety for the traveling public in this area of the state.”
In addition to the increased safety for drivers, the Scogin Drive Extension is expected to enhance connectivity for several vital areas of the region, particularly those traveling to Monticello’s Baptist Health Medical Center – Drew County and the local schools. The project’s completion also highlights ARDOT’s commitment to improving infrastructure across Arkansas, ensuring that communities like Monticello can meet the demands of growing populations and expanding local economies.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, officials will gather at Monticello Elementary School, located at 1037 Scogin Drive. Following the formal event, a ribbon will be cut at the newly established roundabout located at the intersection of Scogin Drive and Jordan Drive, marking the official opening of the improvements.
The Scogin Drive Extension project is a vital part of the ongoing effort to improve the transportation network in Monticello and its surrounding areas. With its completion, the region will benefit from safer roads, reduced congestion, and better access to important destinations. ARDOT’s dedication to working alongside local officials has undoubtedly laid the groundwork for further growth and development in Monticello, ensuring that its residents and visitors alike will have access to a more efficient and safer travel experience.
The success of this project also reinforces the importance of continued investment in infrastructure at both the state and local levels, especially in smaller communities where such improvements are crucial for economic development and public safety.
For those interested in attending the ceremony, the event will take place on Wednesday, July 23, at 11 a.m. at Monticello Elementary School. This is a pivotal moment for the community, one that demonstrates the effectiveness of state, county, and local governments working together to build a brighter future for the people they serve.
