BROOKLAND, Ark. — The Brookland School Board has joined city officials in declaring the intersection of U.S. Highway 49 and School Street a “dangerous intersection.” The board voted 4-0 on Monday to adopt a formal resolution, with one member abstaining due to a conflict of interest.

Assistant Superintendent Chris Moss explained that the move is expected to encourage the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) to prioritize a traffic study at the site. He noted the board is advocating for a “split phase” light system, where traffic flows in one direction at a time with designated turning arrows, without increasing overall wait times.

“Rather than both directions being green at the same time and having to pause and wait to turn left... one direction at a time would be green with a designated turn arrow,” Moss said.

The resolution mirrors efforts by Brookland’s city government, which passed ordinance 2026-09 in August, officially labeling the intersection as hazardous. Following that ordinance, Brookland partnered with ARDOT to lower the speed limit in the area to 45 miles per hour and extend the 50-mph zone farther from the intersection.

Brookland Mayor Kenneth Jones emphasized during remarks that support from the school district holds weight in pushing the project forward because of the district's prominence in the community.

However, the timeline for ARDOT to conduct its study and begin construction remains unclear.

Local residents and commuters have voiced their concerns about the intersection. Aryona, an Arkansas State University student commuting between Jonesboro and Paragould, said the intersection is difficult to navigate safely. She recalled seeing multiple accidents in recent weeks and said adding designated left-turn lanes would make a significant difference.

“This morning, someone was trying to turn left, and it took forever,” Aryona said. “That kind of delay can easily cause accidents.”

Brookland resident Catharine Yarbrough agreed that the lower speed limit was a necessary step but believes enforcement is lacking. "I live off Pine Log, where the speed limit is 40 [miles per hour], but people drive 65 down that all the time. They do the same out here," Yarbrough said.

Yarbrough also expressed concerns about traffic congestion during school drop-off and pick-up times. She said vehicles often back up into the intersection and park along city roads despite an ordinance prohibiting such parking.

“I’ve seen cars come out so far waiting for children that they’re actually in the road,” Yarbrough said.

Residents have urged law enforcement to focus on speed limit compliance and suggested immediate measures, such as enhanced traffic management, to improve safety while waiting for ARDOT’s long-term solutions.

The city of Brookland declined requests for additional comment.