Roundabout, wider lanes potentially coming to Highway 91

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - Another change is coming to a busy roadway in Jonesboro. The Arkansas Department of Transportation is considering plans to widen Highway 91 near Westside schools.

The stretch of road would get an extra lane that would go from Interstate 555 past Westside Schools near Highway 349.

ArDOT District 10 Engineer Brad Smithee said with a road that sees so many drivers, you have to make sure everyone is moving.

“You know that section right now runs about 6,000 vehicles per day, and of course, there are some very peak hours involved, and obviously the beginning of school and the end of the school are probably the biggest peak hours,” Smithee said.

Along with the widening of the road, he said ArDOT will add a roundabout at the intersection of Highways 91 and 349.

“Some folks love those, some folks hate them, but because of the way that works, if we do not purpose a roundabout and just purpose a traditional curve, it would really change the outlook of it,” Smithee said.

Josh Pyles, who lives on Highway 91, said when it comes to the turn lane, he is against it, but he would actually welcome a roundabout.

“I don’t think it would help a lot, as far as the turning lane, but it would probably make a difference at the roundabout as far as school traffic goes,” Pyles said.

If the project is approved, Smithee said it will take three years to finish.

ARODT will host a public event for people to express concerns at Westside High School on Thursday, Nov. 9, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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