Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Project topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council authorizes acquisition of remaining easements for Applebee‑Plainview–Rolling Hills connection
Summary
Fayetteville authorized purchase of remaining rights‑of‑way and easements for the Highway 71B (Applebee/Plainview/Rolling Hills) connection, funded by the 2019 transportation bond; staff described negotiated easements near Fiesta Square and an estimated construction cost of roughly $6M–$9M.
The City Council approved a resolution on Jan. 6 authorizing staff and the mayor to acquire remaining easements and rights‑of‑way for the Highway 71B corridor project, including a key parcel near Fiesta Square. Public Works staff said the project implements a prior 2020 authorization and will use transportation bond funding approved by voters in 2019.
Public Works (Chris Brown) outlined the design changes negotiated with the property owner — shifting a roundabout and using a mini‑roundabout/striping for a temporary southern connection — and described options for channeling and bike‑safety designs. He said appraisals produced substantial differences between city and property‑owner valuations and that the city has negotiated payments based on appraisals and market data. Construction cost estimates presented to council ranged from about $6 million (an older estimate for construction) up to $8–$9 million to complete the full scope.
Council asked about temporary channeling devices, long‑term plans to extend the southern leg, and whether the bond fund will cover acquisition and construction costs. Staff said the easement acquisition item before the council was funded through the 2019 transportation bond and that additional costs would be addressed in project budgeting and the construction phase.
Motion and outcome: Councilmember Bunch moved to pass the resolution; the council voted to approve the easement acquisition (roll call recorded unanimous support).
