The City Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to enter into a contract with Crafton Tull for final design, bidding and construction administration of a left-turn lane in the northbound lane of U.S. 71 at the intersection of Mercy Way.
The contract is not to exceed $35,000.
This turn lane will allow vehicles traveling north to make a left-hand turn into the plaza on the west side of the highway.
Chris Suneson, director of the Community Development Services Department, said that construction is estimated at roughly $50,000.
Suneson said a turn lane has been needed at this intersection for some time.
"We have heard over the years the need for that project simply because we have had a number of traffic accidents from people turning left," he said. Several signs proclaiming "No Left Turn" are prominently installed.
Sometimes, he said, people attempting to make that left turn can also cause traffic to back up while they wait for oncoming traffic to clear.
Adding this turn lane, he said, should improve safety as well as traffic flow.
The design process, which is nearing completion, needs to be finalized after reviewing comments from the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department. With a completed design, he said, the city can begin construction.
"It's a fairly straightforward project with regard to what has to be built out there," Suneson said. "The complication with the construction will be dealing with traffic while they're working."
The reduction in traffic flow, he said, won't be as severe with school out of session for summer.
Construction, he said, is expected to wrap up by the end of the summer, and may be finished as soon as midsummer.
It's important to remember, he said, that until this project is finished, left turns are still not permitted.
Business on 03/01/2017