Dear Mahatma: Recently heard the speed limit will bump up on the renovated U.S. 70 to Hot Springs from its connection with Interstate 30. What do you hear? -- CC
Dear CC: Oh, C -- CC Rider -- oh, see, what you have done?
Oops. An Elvis moment. Or maybe that was Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels.
Once we got that song out of our head, we asked the Arkansas Department of Transportation. An answer comes courtesy of spokesman David Nilles. We think Nilles has been quoted here more than anyone over the past umpteen years. No, we're not going back to count.
The speed limit on the new highway is 60 mph, up from 55 mph.
Although a few orange barrels remain on the eastbound lanes, a ribbon was cut about a week ago. Ribbon cuttings signify something profound. Like maybe relief.
The 17.5-mile widening project took about 17 months and cost $78.5 million. Curves were straightened, limited-length passing lanes were eliminated, and a continuous center turn lane was built.
Dear Mahatma: I reference your column about how pedestrians should walk facing traffic. Common sense! Now rest easy, because Little Rock has a bicycle and pedestrian coordinator. What a country! Think I'll apply for a position like that in Fairfield Bay. -- Octogenarian
Dear Octo: You saw something in the newspaper about this fellow, as did we. Our memory says he is at least the third B&PC, if we may please create some alphabet soup, as they say in the editing business.
We support your desire to be Fairfield Bay's B&PC, because that city is one of a few municipalities in the state that allows golf carts on its streets. State law gives cities the option.
Seems to us that any city which allows golf carts on its streets should have a B&PC to train its pedestrians to jump out of the way of septuagenerian, octogenarian, and nonagenarian cart drivers. Agility training, yeah, that's the ticket.
Dear Mahatma: Is there any wiggle room in the mandate to have a decal to park in a van-accessible space? I try my best to observe that rule, but when all of the handicap spaces are filled, can a handicap-eligible vehicle park in van-accessible? I am a disabled vet. I may not have a lift, but I must use two forearm canes for mobility and that takes a lot of space to get out. Appreciate any clarification. -- Jim
Dear Jim: Act 799 of 2017 reserves van-accessible spots for people whose mobility requires a wheelchair, three- or four-wheeled scooter, a four-wheeled walker with a seat or similar device. A special decal, available at the Department of Finance & Administration, is required.
That's what we know.
What we don't know is how every specific situation would be addressed by law enforcement. Officers have discretion, as we have noted many times. And there are thousands of police officers in Arkansas.
That's our pathetic answer, and we're sticking to it.
Fjfellone@gmail.com
Metro on 06/09/2018