Jonesboro · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Jonesboro public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Regional transportation safety plan update
The 2022 roadway safety action plan is outdated. Engineering wants $125,000 to update it, identify crash hot spots, and stand up an active transportation safety committee.
Bond projects: 911 center and Caraway Road
A $2.17 million Motorola deal will modernize radios and dispatch consoles for the 911 center, funded largely through a federal appropriation and capital improvement revenue bonds.
South Caraway Road widening project contract
A resident asked how wide the Caraway Road expansion will be near homes. Engineering said it will be five lanes from Parker Road to Latourette, three lanes to Glenn's Place, then two lanes to Fox Meadow — with a new side path running close to some front doors.
Aggie Road right-of-way acquisition
The city bought a small sliver of right-of-way at 3519 Aggie Road for $1,755 as part of roadway and pedestrian improvements. Engineering says just one temporary easement remains to nail down.
JETS fare-payment platform agreement with Cubic Transportation Systems
The city was set to consider a platform services agreement that would underpin how riders pay fares on JETS buses. It followed a competitive request-for-proposals process, so the committee was reviewing the result of that bidding.
$125 Million Infrastructure Program Underway
Councilmember Moore asked when downtown streets torn up by City Water and Light's sewer project will be fixed; a meeting Thursday will nail down the timeline for permanent repairs.
Bridge Investment Program Planning Grant
Jonesboro wants a $600,000 federal grant to study its 17 most critical bridges, including the Bridge Street bridge that's been a concern for a while. The city would chip in $150,000 of its own. The study sets up future grant applications to actually replace or repair bridges.
Craighead Forest stop sign request
Council Member LJ Bryant asked staff to consider a stop sign near the disc golf course and ball fields at Craighead Forest Park, noting he'd nearly missed a turning conflict there.
Main Street lane divider appearance
Council Member Chris Moore asked Engineering to look at swapping plastic lane delineators at Main and Washington for concrete planters, which downtown residents find more attractive. Engineering will study alternatives.
Main Street one-lane pilot program
Craig's update: 2025 overlay streets are done, 2026 bids are in, the one-lane Main Street pilot should start in three to four weeks, and the South Caraway Road project is targeted for an August bid opening.
Trees blocking visibility at Simmons Bank on Caraway Road
A resident says large trees between the sidewalk and street at the Simmons Bank building block drivers' view when turning and wants them removed or relocated; the city attorney is investigating who planted and owns them.
Highland Drive and Bernard Street intersection safety
Everyone agrees this intersection is bad, but a recommended traffic light and realignment is out of reach for both the city and the developer's budgets. The developer is instead paying for a dedicated right-turn lane on Highland Drive as a partial fix.
A-State easement for pedestrian and bicycle improvements
The city will accept a permanent right-of-way easement from Arkansas State to build and maintain walking and biking infrastructure — a step toward better connections for pedestrians and cyclists.
Four-way stops at Rains and Wilkins reinstated
Drivers at the Rains and Wilkins intersections will once again have four-way stop signs, finalized on a unanimous third-reading vote.
Speed limit and traffic sign updates
Three ordinances head to the full council: officially recognizing the long-standing four-way stop at Rains and Wilkins, a 25 mph limit on Hillcrest Drive, and a 20 mph limit on Main Street from Washington to Kate.
Stella Drive pedestrian and bicycle improvements
The city is accepting a donated strip of permanent right-of-way at 3505 Stella Drive so it can build and maintain sidewalks and bike infrastructure there.
Highway 1B traffic signals
A state agreement will install a new traffic signal at Highway 1B and Forest Hill Road and replace the one at Highway 1B and Parker Road. The city maintains the signals and pays the electricity after installation.