The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD), in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), has selected a Preferred Alternative for the Highway 371 Railroad Overpass in Prescott , according to Dan Flowers, AHTD Director. 

     An Environmental Assessment (EA) was completed for the proposed railroad overpass on Highway 371.  After careful consideration of information contained in the EA and the comments received at the Location Public Hearing held on May 31, 2007, Alternative 3 has been identified as the Preferred Alternative for the proposed project.  (Click here to see a map.)

     The Preferred Alternative includes connecting Highway 371 to Highway 67 and providing a railroad overpass on new location southwest of the existing Highway 371 railroad crossing.  This alternative, which connects back to Highway 67 the closest to downtown Prescott of any of the alternatives, will consist of two travel lanes with curb and gutter design.

     The next steps for the project will be completing surveys and conceptual design.  Once a conceptual design is prepared and the right of way limits are established, a Design Public Hearing will be held.  After comments from the Design Public Hearing have been addressed, the AHTD will request approval from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in order to proceed with implementation.  Acquisition of right of way and construction of the improvements can be scheduled once FHWA approval is obtained as funds become available .