The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) is evaluating the possibility of constructing a new highway to provide a direct connection between Jonesboro and Osceola, citing regional growth and industrial development as key factors driving the proposal.
As part of the early study phase, ARDOT hosted a public involvement meeting on Tuesday evening, soliciting input from community members about the potential road and its impact on Northeast Arkansas. Ellen Coulter, ARDOT’s media communications manager, emphasized the importance of public feedback at this stage.
“We are here to ask the public for their input on a potential road connecting these two cities in Northeast Arkansas, what that would look like, and just go from there,” Coulter said.
Coulter noted that the project is driven by economic and industrial expansion in the region. “The purpose really is just the growth that we are seeing in Northeast Arkansas industry, and just trying to look at and explain better connectivity for this region and see if it is warranted here,” she added.
While the initiative is still in the preliminary study phase, with no immediate plans for construction, officials are gathering data to assess the feasibility of the project. A faster commute could benefit workers traveling between the two cities as well as support logistics for area industries.
A second public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Osceola–South Mississippi County Chamber of Commerce Civic Center, located on North Maple Street. ARDOT is encouraging community members to attend and share their comments.
For those unable to attend, the department is accepting public comments until Sept. 2 at 4:30 p.m. Submissions can be made online through ARDOT’s website at ARDOT.gov or sent by mail to Chris Dillaha, P.O. Box 2261, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203.