MPO offers update on Marion overpass

MPO offers update on Marion overpass

Construction expected to begin in coming months

news@theeveningtimes.com

The West Memphis Metropolitan Planning Organization announced the $12,000,000 Marion overpass plans were nearly complete and expected construction to begin later this year.

The MPO handles road projects in the county using federal funds and updated area residents at its quarterly citizens meeting in West Memphis on Tuesday.

Federal funds amount to the lion’s share of the project and a required match will come from Marion bond funds approved by voters in 2016. A bridge over the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe rail line will be built behind the Walmart Neighborhood Center connecting LH Polk to Mound City Road.

The overpass would serve to provide relief with a way around for motorists facing trains blocking intersections near the court house and open access to both sides of the city for emergency responders.

MPO Study Director Eddie Brawley updated citizens.

“Planning for the Marion overpass is in the final stages, with a 90 percent plan,” said Brawley.

“They’ll plan on getting that started this year.”

The State highway planners have green-lighted the project so far without a traffic signal at the busy corner in front of the Walmart Neighborhood Center at LH Polk and Highway 77.

Residents in the area have seen a number of crashes at the busy corner.

“ArDOT has not approved a signal there, they decided to wait and see what the volumes are there and then decide on a signal there or not,” said Brawley.

The postponed decision went against the study director’s opinion.

“I personally wouldn’t have opened it up without a signal, but that is my understanding of the Highway Department right now,” said Brawley.

By John Rech