The Arkansas Department of Transportation held a public involvement meeting in Waldron on Thursday, March 12, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., as part of its ongoing effort to gather feedback on the proposed Future Interstate 49 corridor between Y City and Barling. The Waldron meeting was one of two public meetings announced by ARDOT for the project.
ARDOT representatives were on hand to answer questions and discuss how the proposed route could affect homes, businesses, and private property along the corridor. Meeting attendees were also able to view detailed maps and zoom in on specific locations to better understand how individual properties may be impacted.
According to information shared during the meeting, there is currently no projected completion date for the expansion. One ARDOT representative said the project is expected to move forward in sections, based on priority and available funding.
Among those attending the meeting were concerned citizens, former Scott County Judge James Forbes, current Scott County Judge Brian Jones, State Senator Terry Rice, and several local elected officials.
One resident raised concerns about the interstate potentially crossing her property. “I hope they will give me what it’s worth,” she said. ARDOT representatives responded that property owners whose land falls within the project path would be offered fair market value.
ARDOT has also made project information available online through its public meeting site, which includes maps, exhibits, and other details related to the proposed corridor.
