Pocahontas, Arkansas – Plans for a new bypass connecting Highway 90 and Highway 67 north of the Central Business District (CBD) in Pocahontas are moving forward following approval from federal regulators. The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) announced the availability of the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) issued by the Federal Highway Administration, a key step that clears the way for the next phase of development on the project.
The FONSI confirms that the proposed Pocahontas Bypass will have no significant impact on the natural or human environment. With this federal approval, ARDOT can proceed with detailed design and construction planning. The project aims to alleviate heavy truck traffic and improve mobility through Pocahontas’s downtown area, offering a safer and more efficient route for commuters, residents, and commercial vehicles.
The proposed bypass will cover approximately 2.6 miles of new roadway. It is designed with two 12-foot-wide paved travel lanes and 8-foot-wide paved shoulders. Key features of the project include a roundabout at the intersection with Highway 90 and traffic signals at Highway 115 and Highway 67, ensuring smooth traffic flow and safer navigation for all road users.
Officials emphasized the importance of the bypass for the city’s growth and daily life. “This project is designed to reduce congestion in the Central Business District while maintaining accessibility for local businesses and residents,” ARDOT representatives said. “By diverting heavy truck traffic, we expect the bypass to enhance safety, improve travel efficiency, and support economic development in Pocahontas.”
Residents and stakeholders can review the FONSI and project details online through the project website. For those without internet access, ARDOT encourages direct contact with project staff, including Matt Strawn at (501) 569-2281 or via email at [email protected], to address questions about the project or its environmental review.
In addition to transportation improvements, ARDOT reaffirmed its commitment to nondiscrimination in all programs and activities. “The Arkansas Department of Transportation complies with all civil rights provisions of federal statutes and related authorities that prohibit discrimination in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance,” the agency stated. ARDOT does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, national origin, or disability in its programs or employment practices. Complaints or inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies can be directed to Civil Rights Officer Joanna P. McFadden, who serves as the ADA/504/Title VI Coordinator. Free language assistance and accessible formats, such as large print, Braille, or audiotape, are available upon request.
Once completed, the Pocahontas Bypass is expected to create a modern and safer corridor for traffic north of the downtown area, improving the daily commute for residents and providing a reliable route for commercial trucks that currently travel through the CBD. The project reflects ARDOT’s ongoing commitment to addressing transportation challenges while balancing environmental stewardship and community needs.
With federal approval secured and planning underway, the bypass project represents a significant investment in the infrastructure and future growth of Pocahontas. Community members are encouraged to stay informed through ARDOT’s project resources and take advantage of opportunities to review plans or ask questions as development continues.
