Jonesboro officials debate traffic safety amid 60 accidents on Harrisburg Road in two years

During a recent meeting of the Jonesboro Metropolitan Area Planning Commission, concerns were raised about traffic safety and infrastructure in the area surrounding Elmhurst and Harrisburg Road. A police report highlighted a troubling statistic: over the past two years, there have been 60 reported accidents in this busy section, prompting calls for immediate action to address the safety risks.

Commission members discussed the implications of ongoing development, including plans for a new storage unit, which could exacerbate traffic issues if not paired with necessary road improvements. The current layout leaves Elmhurst as the primary exit, a situation deemed inadequate given the volume of traffic and the history of accidents in the area.

The commission acknowledged that a traffic study had been conducted, but doubts were expressed regarding its accuracy and relevance, especially considering the anticipated growth in local businesses. Members emphasized the need for further studies and consultations with the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) to ensure that any new developments do not compromise public safety.

Michael, a commission member, noted that the widening of Harrisburg Road is not expected to begin until fall 2026, raising concerns about the timeline for improvements. The urgency of addressing the existing traffic problems was underscored, with calls to delay any new developments until the necessary infrastructure upgrades are in place.

As discussions continued, the commission opened the floor for public comments, reflecting a community eager to ensure that growth does not come at the expense of safety. The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit the conditional request for the storage unit, prioritizing the need for a comprehensive approach to traffic management and road safety in the area.