Notice to Media

AHTD to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Improvements

to Arkansas Highway 229

November 24, 1997 -- The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) will hold an open forum public hearing Tuesday, December 9, 1997, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., according AHTD Director Dan Flowers. The meeting will be held at the Office of Emergency Services 911 Building, 102 S. Main Street in Benton.

The public hearing is being held for the purpose of permitting all interested persons, agencies, and organizations the opportunity to express their views regarding the proposed replacement of two bridges in Saline County.

The Arkansas State Highway Commission is proposing to replace two bridges on State Highway 229. The two bridges are located at Saline River and Salt Creek. Total length of the project is 1.1 miles.

The existing roadway consists of two 10-foot travel lanes with four-foot shoulders. Existing right-of-way varies between 80 and 110 feet. The road will be improved to 11-foot travel lanes with six-foot shoulders.

The open forum format will allow concerned citizens the opportunity to attend the hearing anytime between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Personnel will be on hand during those hours to explain the proposed modifications, answer questions and take oral or written comments about the project.

Preliminary plans showing location and design features of the contemplated work and copies of the environmental assessment are available for public inspection at the office of the District Engineer, Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD), 8900 Mabelvale Pike, in Little Rock.

Persons wishing to submit written statements or other exhibits in place of or in addition to oral or written statements made at the public hearing may submit them to the District Engineer, Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, P.O. Box 190296, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72219-0296. Such submissions must be received no later than Friday, December 19, 1997.

All interested persons will be heard at the public hearing. Information on proposed right of way appraisal and acquisition procedures as well as the environmental handling documentation will be available at the hearing.

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