JONESBORO, Ark. — Several major events in Jonesboro this weekend are expected to create significant traffic disruptions, city officials warned. Road closures around downtown and lane reductions on major streets are already underway, with more expected before Saturday.
The festivities include BBQ Fest, the NEA District Fair, the Heart and Sole Half Marathon, and a home game for Arkansas State University football. Local authorities advise drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time for travel.
Downtown Main Street and Union Street are closed for BBQ Fest, which runs through Friday night and continues all day Saturday and Sunday. Additional closures for the event include Huntington Avenue and Monroe Avenue.
Drivers near the NEA District Fairgrounds will also notice narrowing of Johnson Avenue to one lane, with only one inbound lane remaining open. Meanwhile, the Heart and Sole Half Marathon, scheduled for Saturday, will affect parts of Johnson Avenue stretching out toward the airport, as well as areas around Peachtree and Sage Meadows.
Jonesboro Police Traffic Sergeant Michael Bush urged residents to anticipate delays and exercise caution, particularly near the marathon route. "If you’re driving in that area, please slow down," Bush said, noting that officers and motor units will be deployed to manage the event's safety.
Bush added that officers assigned to secure these events will not impact the 911 response times, explaining that all patrol divisions will remain fully staffed. "We’ve got everyone on special assignment," he said. "The patrol division itself for automobile patrol will not be affected whatsoever."
Jonesboro resident Sarah Bull shared her strategy to avoid frustration from the anticipated congestion. "The traffic is terrible, but I get my husband to drive me around," she said.
Authorities are urging residents to stay aware of traffic updates and exercise patience during the busy weekend.