Springdale aldermen approve Don Tyson Parkway widening contract

Project to cost about $4 million

SPRINGDALE -- Residents could soon see more lanes and less traffic congestion on part of Don Tyson Parkway.

Aldermen approved a construction contract Tuesday for widening Don Tyson Parkway from 40th Street to Carley Road and to establish the project's budget.

At A Glance

Council Action

Springdale’s City Council met Tuesday and approved:

• Amending the 2015 budget for the Springdale Police Department. The change allows $46,000 to be transferred from the department’s drug seizure funds to replace radios and related equipment.

• A street dedication to the city from A&M Enterprises Inc.

• Amending the city’s zoning ordinance. It concerns the use of the Springdale Alert Notification System to alert residents of public hearings for properties they live within a one mile radius of.

• Rezoning 0.6 acres at 1100 S. 48th St. from general commercial district to thoroughfare commercial district.

• Rezoning 0.51 acres owned by Fadil Bayyari Revocable Trust from general commercial district to light industrial district.

• Rezoning 1.46 acres at 301 Holcomb St. from general commercial district to institutional district.

• Rezoning 1.82 acres owned by the John H. Thompson Revocable Living Trust from thoroughfare commercial district to large product retail sales district.

Source: Staff Report

Part of the street needs to be widened from three to four lanes to reduce congestion, said Patsy Christie, city director of planning and community development. The surrounding area is residential.

The lowest bid was $2,299,826 from Trulove Dirtworks of Berryville, according to documents. The company is six years old and is also working on other construction projects for the city, such as fire stations.

The project cost isn't to exceed $4,088,741 without City Council approval. Other costs include design and construction engineering, utility relocation and land acquisition.

The project is being paid for with bond money for roads, which voters approved in 2012, said Mayor Doug Sprouse. Utilities are being moved. Sprouse said he hopes construction will begin as soon and completed by November.

Aldermen approved multiple resolutions concerning the project during a City Council meeting Nov. 3. One authorized the city attorney to begin condemnation proceedings and another authorized a contract for for moving utilities.

The widening project is one of several the city is working on. The number of road projects in the city is because of population growth, Sprouse said.

"Growing cities are always playing catch up with infrastructure," he said.

Also under construction is 56th Street's widening from two to four lanes between Arvest Ballpark and Sunset Avenue, said Brad Baldwin, city director of engineering. An extension of Don Tyson Parkway from Hylton Road to Habberton Road is also under construction.

Officials plan for both projects to be completed by fall, Baldwin said. They are both being paid for with bond money, Sprouse said.

Officials also want to extend 56th Street north to Elm Springs Road, but there isn't yet a timeline or money for the project, Sprouse said. The extension has, however, has been designed.

The city is working with the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department to widen the overpass over Interstate 49 at Elm Springs Road, Sprouse said. Officials will go out to bid on the project in about a year, and construction will happen in 2016. The city plans to contribute $1 million to the project from either bond money or the city's Capital Improvements Program.

NW News on 01/28/2015

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