Arkansas – Residents gathered at the Pocahontas Community Center on Wednesday evening to discuss a proposed bypass that would connect Highway 90 and Highway 67.
The meeting, organized by the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT), provided a forum for community members to share their opinions and ask questions about the project.
The bypass proposal was initially sparked by increasing truck traffic through downtown Pocahontas, which local officials and residents say has become a growing concern over recent years. The project aims to alleviate congestion and improve safety in the downtown area by redirecting heavy vehicles onto a new route.
During the meeting, attendees expressed a range of views, from support for the bypass as a necessary infrastructure improvement to concerns about potential environmental impacts and effects on local businesses.
ArDOT representatives emphasized their commitment to considering community feedback as they continue planning the project and assured residents that further studies and public meetings will follow.
The discussion highlighted the ongoing balance between addressing transportation needs and preserving the character and vitality of downtown Pocahontas.