LITTLE ROCK (9-28) The Arkansas State Highway Commission has authorized a study of Highway 18 in Blytheville , according to Highway Commissioner John Ed Regenold of Armorel.

            Local officials requested a study of the need for and feasibility of an east-west connection, including an overpass of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway on Highway 18 in Blytheville .  The Highway Commission authorized a study, which will examine Highway 18 from the vicinity of South Division Street (Highway 61) to Interstate 55.

            “Currently the path from the east side of Blytheville to the west side is not a direct route.  This study will help us analyze the east-west flow of traffic to see if any improvements are warranted,” stated Regenold.  “It will look at things like the operation of the existing one-way couplet, and adding a railroad overpass.  This is something that could benefit the region by providing a more direct route through Blytheville to the industrial areas east of the Interstate.”

 The study was authorized at a meeting of the State Highway Commission this morning in Little Rock .