The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) will hold a Design Public Hearing in Doddridge to discuss plans for the Highway 71 relocation project (proposed Interstate 49), according to AHTD officials.

            The informal session will be held Tuesday, June 7, 2005, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Brightstar Elementary School , 4019 State Highway 160, in Doddridge.

Plans call for the new highway to be built as a four-lane, divided highway west of the existing roadway, extending from Doddridge southward to the Louisiana state line.  Plans showing various design features of the new highway, including the proposed right of way limits, will be available at the hearing.

The public is invited to visit anytime during the scheduled hours to view displays, ask questions and offer comments. 

                                                                              #####