Council authorizes engineering study for Backus‑Pleasant intersection using 2023 bond funds

SPRINGDALE, Ark. — The City Council on Tuesday approved a resolution authorizing an engineering services contract to study and design intersection improvements at Backus Avenue and Pleasant Street, with funding proposed from the 2023 bond program.

City staff described the request as a response to congestion at a private‑drive/industrial area where a company (Georgia’s Incorporated) requested relief for employee and semi traffic conflicts. Staff said the company proposed reconfiguring employee egress to Pleasant Street while keeping semi traffic on the existing private drive; the project could include striping, turn lanes, a traffic signal or a roundabout.

Ben (planners/staff) said signalization at the Backus/rail/US‑71 corridor would be too close to Highway 71 and could cause congestion; staff therefore recommended designing a solution at Backus and Pleasant. Staff estimated the eventual construction cost could be in the ballpark of $1.5 million, depending on right‑of‑way needs and selected design. The contract approved Tuesday covers engineering and design work to evaluate options (signal vs. roundabout), lane geometry, and right‑of‑way requirements.

Council discussion noted the project fits the city’s long‑term street grid plans and that Pleasant Street is shown as a collector. Staff said the study will also consider a future connection to residential development to the north.

The resolution to execute the engineering services contract carried on a council vote (recorded at the meeting). Staff said the intersection work would come from the 2023 bond program, which already funds several intersection projects in the city.

— Reporting for Springdale City Council meeting, Sept. 9, 2025