Based on findings of a corridor study which began in October 2003, a corridor located around the north side of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma, has been recommended as the preferred corridor for further development and analysis of a possible Highway 412 Bypass, according to AHTD Director Dan Flowers.

     Two corridors located around the south side of the two cities were also evaluated during the study.  The study is being performed by Parsons Transportation Group, a consulting firm hired by the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT).

     In evaluating and comparing the three corridors and selecting the northern corridor as preferred, consideration was given to potential impacts to environmental and cultural resources, existing and planned development, and the cost of construction, as well as public and agency comments. 

     A public involvement meeting has been scheduled to present findings of the corridor study.  This informal session will be held Tuesday, August 24, 2004, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Southside Elementary School Cafeteria, 825 South Maple Street in Siloam Springs, Arkansas.  Personnel will be present during those hours to explain the corridor study, answer questions, and take oral or written comments about the project.  No formal presentation will be made at this session.

     Selection of the preferred corridor will be finalized after comments from the public involvement meeting, resource agencies and affected groups have been received and addressed.  At that time, environmental and location studies will continue and will include development of benefits and impacts of specific alignments within the preferred corridor.  These alignments will be compared to the benefits and impacts of improving existing Highway 412 through Siloam Springs and West Siloam Springs.   

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