Jonesboro, Ark. — The City of Jonesboro has been awarded $977,000 through the Arkansas Department of Transportation's Transportation Alternatives Program to construct a 1.5-mile paved walkway along South Culberhouse Street.
This new trail will begin at the main entrance to Craighead Forest Park and connect to an existing pathway along Southern Ridge Boulevard on the city's south side. Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver emphasized the project's importance for pedestrian safety and community connectivity.
"It just provides pedestrian safety," Copenhaver said. "It’s a matter of time before an incident would occur on that road."
The 10-foot-wide trail will run along the east side of South Culberhouse and eventually could expand further north. If additional plans move forward, the city aims to connect the trail to a path on Southwest Drive, creating a continuous route from Craighead Forest Park to the Hilltop area.
Copenhaver noted that Craighead Forest Park welcomes more than 100,000 visitors annually, making the project essential for providing a safer, more accessible way for residents to reach it without relying on vehicles. "At this point, the entranceway to that park is only accessible by car," he said. "This will allow safer pedestrian transportation for our community."
Once completed, the trail will link surrounding neighborhoods to a key recreational destination, enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors alike.