An Environmental Assessment on a project to widen Highway 7 south to Highway 290 was approved by the Federal Highway Administration in April, according to information handed out last week at a location and design public hearing on the project.
"The EA did not identify any significant impacts to the natural, cultural or social environment as a result of either alternative," according to a handout presented to those who attended the meeting, held Thursday evening at the Baymont Inn & Suites.
Alternative 1, the preferred alternative, would cost a total of $14.8 million, consisting of $8 million in construction cost and $6.8 million in right of way acquisition. The project calls for 9.6 acres of right of way, including 14 relocations, and 156 linear feet of stream impacts.
The only other alternative considered called for taking no action. "The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires decision makers to consider a 'no-action' alternative in all NEPA studies. This alternative may not meet the project's purpose and need but helps to compare the beneficial and adverse impacts of build alternatives and determine their significance," the handout said.
The proposed project would widen Highway 7 from two to four travel lanes and add a two-way left turn lane, bicycle lanes, and sidewalks, from the south shore of Lake Hamilton to Highway 290. The four-lane highway currently ends just south of the south shore bridge across Lake Hamilton.
The most noticeable effects of the completed project would be the conversion of private commercial and residential property to right of way, in some cases resulting in the relocation of the business or residence, the handout said.
Attendees on Thursday expressed varying opinions, ranging from whether the project would fix any traffic problems to a problem with worn-down highway markings warning motorists to merge into the existing two-lane section of roadway near Lake Hamilton.
The project, according to the highway department, would result in lower crash rates for motor vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians, and improve traffic flow.
Following Thursday's hearing, the highway department said it will review the comments it received from citizens, public officials and public agencies, respond to the comments it received at the hearing, and finalize the project design.
"After the design is finalized, a Finding of No Significant Impact document will be prepared and signed by the FHWA, identifying the Selected Alternative and concluding the NEPA process. Right of way acquisition can then begin," the handout said.
Written statements may be submitted by mail, AHTD Environmental Division, P.O. Box 2261, Little Rock AR 72203, or email, [email protected].
Local on 06/29/2015