Carrol County, Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) is set to host a public hearing to discuss the proposed intersection improvements at the junction of Highways 23 and 62 in Eureka Springs. The meeting will take place on Thursday, April 3, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, located at 195 Huntsville Road, Eureka Springs, AR. The hearing aims to present the detailed design plans and the environmental assessment related to the proposed changes, offering the public a chance to voice their opinions and provide feedback on the project.
The project, which is part of ARDOT’s ongoing efforts to enhance the state’s infrastructure, focuses on improving the intersection to address safety concerns and traffic flow. ARDOT has planned the public hearing to ensure that residents, business owners, and other stakeholders have an opportunity to review the proposed designs and share their thoughts on the project’s potential impact. According to ARDOT officials, the improvements are expected to enhance the functionality of the intersection, which is a crucial connection for both locals and visitors to the area.
For those unable to attend the public hearing, ARDOT has made the meeting materials available at several locations for public review. Interested individuals can visit the ARDOT District 9 Office in Harrison at 4590 Highway 65 or Eureka Springs City Hall at 44 South Main Street. Additionally, the meeting materials are accessible online through ARDOT’s official website, where people can download and review the proposed plans. The public can also submit written comments about the project through these platforms, providing a convenient option for those who prefer to give their feedback in writing.
Public comments will be accepted until Thursday, April 17, and are encouraged to ensure that community input is considered during the planning phase. The comments can be submitted online via ARDOT’s website, or individuals can print and mail their comment forms to the Environmental Division in Little Rock at P.O. Box 2261, Little Rock, AR 72203-2261.
ARDOT is committed to ensuring that the hearing is accessible to everyone. Spanish translations of the website materials are available to assist individuals who are more comfortable in that language. Those who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can contact Matt Strawn at ARDOT for assistance. Additionally, if individuals have hearing or speech impairments, they can use the Arkansas Relay System by dialing 711 to get connected.
To make the process as inclusive as possible, ARDOT also offers free language assistance for Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals. The agency emphasizes that it complies with all civil rights provisions of federal statutes, including Title VI, which prohibits discrimination based on race, sex, age, disability, national origin, or other protected statuses. ARDOT’s commitment to nondiscrimination ensures that every person, regardless of background, has the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the department’s programs and services.
The intersection improvements are part of ARDOT’s broader initiative to maintain and upgrade Arkansas’s transportation infrastructure. The agency continually works to improve roadways, reduce congestion, and enhance safety for the traveling public. With the growing importance of Eureka Springs as a tourist destination, the proposed improvements to Highways 23 and 62 are expected to play a vital role in accommodating the influx of visitors while improving daily traffic operations for residents.
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We want to ensure that the residents of Eureka Springs have a voice in shaping these proposed improvements,” said Matt Strawn, ARDOT’s project manager. “By hosting this public hearing, we are giving everyone the chance to review our plans, ask questions, and provide valuable feedback that will help us move forward with a design that serves the needs of the community.”
For anyone unable to attend the hearing in person, or if further questions arise, Matt Strawn can be contacted directly at (501) 569-2281 or via email at [email protected]. Public participation is a critical component of the project, and ARDOT encourages as much input as possible to ensure that the final design reflects the needs and concerns of those who will be most affected by the changes.
As Arkansas continues to prioritize infrastructure improvements, projects like the one in Eureka Springs are part of an ongoing effort to improve the state’s roadways and make them safer for all drivers. The ARDOT public hearing provides a valuable opportunity for the local community to engage in the decision-making process and contribute to the development of a safer and more efficient transportation network.
