Notice to Media

     The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) has selected an alignment for the proposed Flippin Bypass, according to AHTD Director Dan Flowers.

     “Based on our analysis, we believe the alignment previously shown to the public as Alternative 3 is the best route for this new highway,” Flowers said. 

     Alternative 3 begins approximately 800 feet west of Roadrunner Lane, one mile southwest of Flippin, and goes easterly on a new location beginning at Roadrunner Lane.  The new location will continue easterly near and parallel to Marion County Road 7048 and reconnect to Highway 62 just west of Highway 101.  The project will end just east of the intersection of Highway 101 and Highway 62.

     Flowers cited the following reasons as being factors in the decision to select Alternative 3:

·                    Less property severance;

·                    Received the most positive public comments;

·                    Most direct route with better alignment; and

·                    Easier to construct with fewer maintenance of traffic issues.

     Flowers noted that the AHTD’s analysis included several meetings to obtain input from the public.

     “The four alternatives considered were very similar from an engineering and environmental standpoint,” Flowers said.  “Also, each alternative had some measure of public support.”

     The next step in the process will be to hold a design public hearing on the selected route.  At that meeting, which will probably be scheduled in mid-2003, detailed plans will be presented which will show more clearly how specific properties will be impacted.

     “We appreciate the public’s participation in this process,” Flowers said.  “We will continue to work with affected property owners through the design process to minimize impacts as much as possible.”

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