AR Highways Magazine

NOVEMBER 2013

A PUBLICATION OF THE ARKANSAS STATE HIGHWAY & TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT MAGAZINE

The Southern Charm of Highway 82 TAKING THE SCENIC ROUTE ACROSS SOUTH ARKANSAS

Laying Down TIGER GRANT THE DOLLARWAY: Will Improve the Lines Historic Road Highway 92 with AHTD’s Still Stands STRIPING CREW ARKANSAS STATE HIGHWAY DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE FRONT & BACK COVER: COMMISSION Lake Village, Arkansas U.S. Highway 82 Bridge afety on Arkansas’ roadways is always a primary concern for those in our industry and for everyone who travels. Whether a S JOHN ED REGENOLD trip for pleasure or business, it is best to be prepared to ensure a more Chairman EDITOR enjoyable journey. David Nilles The Arkansas State Highway & Transportation Department has launched a new website — www.IDriveArkansas.com — GRAPHIC DESIGNER to assist motorists as they drive the highways of Arkansas. Paula Cigainero Not only will the new site help motorists plan their route before they CONTRIBUTING WRITERS leave home, it will make the trip easier and safer along the way. Glenn Bolick Randy Ort

is sure to be a destination for motorists traveling to, through and within our State. This “know before you go” site is a PHOTOGRAPHER Debuted at the Arkansas State Fair and officially announced at the October Commission meeting, IDriveArkansas.com DICK TRAMMEL complement to ArkansasHighways.com and includes many features we think will become instant fan favorites. John Jackson Vice Chairman Think of it as our highway map online. We partnered with tech giant Google to develop a product that illustrates

Correspondence should be directed to: through each of these areas. Additionally, the site pinpoints the locations of our rest areas, Arkansas Welcome the location of our work zones on the State highway system and provides a snapshot view of how traffic is flowing ARKANSAS HIGHWAYS Public Information Office proximity of approaching storms to our work zones. P.O. Box 2261, Room 1002 Centers, the commuter park and ride lots and more. There is even a weather radar feature that will display the Little Rock, AR 72203-2261

At IDriveArkansas.com, the public will find information about our two voter-approved construction programs — will provide accountability to the voters in Arkansas who have twice voiced their support for good roads in the the Interstate Rehabilitation Program (IRP) and the Connecting Arkansas Program (CAP). Here is where we TOM SCHUECK Natural State. Member And this is just the beginning. Soon you will see highway signs like the one on this page appearing all over the State to let motorists know that travel and construction information is just a click away. The site is designed so that it will look good on mobile devices too. Although an app is not available at this time, it is in our future plans. Stay tuned. Arkansas Highways magazine was recently recognized by The American Association

I’m pleased to say that our Arkansas Highways is published by of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). The magazine won First Place in the category of and for employees of the Arkansas State External Newsletter at TransComm 2013, the annual meeting for the AASHTO Subcommittee on Transportation Highway and Transportation Department as A special “thank you” to all of our Department employees who took time to volunteer at the Arkansas State Fair in a medium of departmental news and other Communications. information. It is also distributed free of ROBERT S. MOORE, JR. charge to the public upon request. Member job of representing the AHTD. Little Rock recently. The State Fair is a great way to promote our Department’s programs, and everyone did a great

The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation And finally, it is a pleasure to welcome Frank D. Scott, Jr. of CHECK TRAVEL CONDITIONS AT Department (Department) complies with all civil rights provisions of federal statutes and Little Rock to the Arkansas State Highway Commission. Scott related authorities that prohibit discrimination replaces John Burkhalter, who resigned to enter the race in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Therefore, the Department for Lieutenant Governor. I have known Commissioner Scott does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, forward to working with him in the years ahead. through his work in Governor Mike Beebe’s Office and look color, age, national origin, religion or disability, in the admission, access to and treatment in ARKANSAS STATE HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION DEPT. the Department’s programs and activities, as FRANK D. SCOTT, JR. well as the Department’s hiring or employment Member practices. Complaints of alleged discrimination and inquiries regarding the Department’s New highway signs featuring IDriveArkansas nondiscrimination policies may be directed are being installed across the State. to Joanna P. McFadden Section Head – EEO/ Scott E. Bennett DBE (ADA/504/Title VI Coordinator), P. O. Box 2261, Little Rock, AR 72203, (501) 569-2298, Director of Highways and Transportation (Voice/TTY 711), or the following email address: [email protected]. This notice is available from the ADA/504/Title VI Coordinator in large print, on audiotape and in Braille. 2 || WWW.ARKANSASHIGHWAYS.COM/MAGAZINE.ASPX ARKANSAS HIGHWAYS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2013 || 3 MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2013 CONTENTS

FEATURES

5 �� The Dollarway Road

8 ��AHTD Receives TIGER Grant

10 ��New Commissioner Appointed

�� 14 11 100 Years of Progress: The Shift from Quantity to Quality

14 ��On the Job with: The Striping Crew

20 �� Weekend Road Trip: Highway 82

26 �� Arkansas Highways Magazine Receives Award

27 ��Arkansas Highway Police Officer Wins North American Award

20 Highway Building in its Infancy BY DAVID NILLES DEPARTMENTS

Director’s Message...... 2 Public Meetings...... 32

Out & About...... 19 On The Map...... 33

AHTD Events...... 28 Construction Corner...... 34

Dear AHTD: Letters...... 30 AHTD People...... 35

(continued on page 6) (Right) The Climber Motor Corporation of Little Rock produced cars and trucks in the 1920s that could perform on paved highways as well as unpaved roads, making Climbers similar to today’s SUV.

(Below) The 1948 Studebaker Showroom in Mena is an outstanding example of Art Moderne architecture. Today the building serves as a “showroom” for antique cars. ARE A RECORD OF THOSE WHO HAVE A section of the Old Dollarway Road stands next to GONE BEFORE. today's roadway.

— Rebecca Solnit

A LOOK AT HIGHWAY CULTURE IN ARKANSAS

Eighteen inches of gravel and three roadway can still be seen in the towns DOLLARWAYAn old section of feet of dirt were added on each side of the Dollarway Road, now Reynolds Road, the roadway to serve as shoulders. The Kay Via’s family in White Hall of White Hall and Redfield. near Redfield. Arkansas’ early efforts to build a durable highway that could shoulders made it possible for drivers to bought property along the Dollarway The Dollarway Road, in Jefferson County, stands as one of pass when they met another vehicle on the narrow road. handle the rising traffic volumes of the time. This month, it Road in 1922. Though a new four-lane remnants of the old highway still are celebrates its one-hundred year anniversary. Dollarway Road has been constructed, T WAS THE EARLY 1900S AND AUTOMOBILES visible in front of Via’s house. The Dollarway Road was built by the Jefferson County Road Crews began work on the project in WERE BEGINNING TO SHOW UP ON ROADWAYS “We used to roller skate on the old Improvement District No. 4 in 1913 and 1914. It stretched November of 1913 and were finished in EVERYWHERE ACROSS THE COUNTRY, road as children because there wasn’t from the city of Pine Bluff to the Pulaski County Line. The new October of 1914. The highway became INCLUDING IN ARKANSAS. The only problem was the construction costs were almost equal street leading to several houses in White road connected with the Pulaski County section of the old known as the Dollarway Road because the roads in those days weren’t built to handle the to one dollar per linear foot. However, the Pine Bluff and Little Rock wagon road. that much traffic on it,” Via says. rising number of cars beginning to use them. highway was a wagon trail,” she adds. I The 23-mile Dollarway Road was built of concrete five “Originally, the route of the old Hall. A 1.6-mile section of the original be more economical and more long lasting than other road The road had the distinction of being “When our family built our new house, inches thick and nine feet wide. Concrete was thought to final cost was closer to $1.36 per foot. road is still in use near Redfield. Now the longest continuous length of concrete we were asked if we wanted the old The roads of the early 1900s were dirt or gravel and were named Reynolds Road, this stretch of the to say the least. An obvious challenge arose, building roadways mixers were the only pieces of machinery used during pavement in the nation. features two of the original reinforced filled with potholes and bumps. Driving them was an adventure, surfaces. Two one-half-yard capacity stationary concrete Dollarway Road is now a dirt road and to comfortably carry the growing number of motorists traveling construction. Four bridges were included in the project as Today the roadway only exists in the that’s a little piece of history there.” concrete bridges. concrete paved over. I said no, because on them. For highway buffs, traveling to To meet the challenge in Arkansas, road improvement concrete for road and bridge construction in Arkansas. The can be seen farther north on Highway see what is left of the old route is an well. The Dollarway Road became the first use of reinforced history books. Highways 65 and 365 Other remaining sections of the road districts were formed. Each District faced the task of building a concrete had a thin coat of bituminous seal on its surface, the opportunity to visit a little bit of early in Jefferson County cover most of the system of good roadways to travel across the State. point out the route, but sections of the road construction history in Arkansas.  original Dollarway Road. No markers 365. A quarter-mile section of the old 6 || WWW.ARKANSASHIGHWAYS.COM/MAGAZINE.ASPX first use of the seal in the South as well. Dollarway Road now serves as a side ARKANSAS HIGHWAYS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2013 || 7 Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Greg Nadeau announces the AHTD's The Sulphur Springs Relief Bridge is one of two TIGER Grant to the media. bridges on Highway 92 that will be replaced by using money from the TIGER Grant.

AHTD is Recipient of Federal Grant For Highway 92 BY DAVID NILLES

he Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department has been awarded a $4.96 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant for improvements to Highway 92 Tin north central Arkansas. Deputy Federal Highway increasing in the last two years by up natural gas and timber industries in our Administrator Greg Nadeau came to the continued by TIGER 2013. There were will replace two aging bridges and commented. “We were very excited when to 15 percent. The Highway 92 project State,” AHTD Director Scott Bennett 582 applications seeking over $9 billion we received the good news that this grant Central Office in Little Rock and joined in improvements in this the fifth round dignitaries in making the announcement had been awarded for this area.” country were awarded grants. AHTD Commissioners, staff and local resurface 14 miles of the highway of funding. A total of 52 projects in the in September. “Arkansas is congratulated for making between Center Ridge and Highway such a compelling proposal,” Nadeau 16 just south of Greers Ferry Lake. The This is one of 52 transportation such as these that are so important to “It is essential to attend to highways corridor experiences heavy truck traffic projects in 37 states that will receive economic development,” Nadeau stated. the area. The new bridges will be built to from the Department of Transportation’s associated with natural-gas drilling in a total of approximately $474 million added. “The Highway 92 project is a good was designed for. We hope to have the example of the type of project TIGER in the near term and lay the foundation greater than what the existing bridges Among these, nearly half — resources to do many more of these kinds “This Highway 92 project will create jobs serve trucks weighing 80,000 pounds, far TIGER 2013 discretionary grant program. for economic development in the future.” can accommodate. The grant will improve of grants in the future.” safety and extend the useful life of this support rural areas of the country. 25 projects funded at $123.4 million— key economic corridor. L to R: Commission Vice Chairman Dick Trammel, Director Scott E. Bennett, Federal Highway Highway 92, in the Fayetteville Shale AHTD officials hope to see the project Administrator of the Arkansas Division Sandy Otto, Deputy Federal Highway Administrator “This is a critical route for the poultry, demand since its creation, a trend approximately a year and a half later.  Play Area, has been one of Arkansas’ TIGER has enjoyed overwhelming started in the fall of 2014 and completed Greg Nadeau, and Commission Chairman John Ed Regenold. fastest growing routes, with traffic

8 || WWW.ARKANSASHIGHWAYS.COM/MAGAZINE.ASPX ARKANSAS HIGHWAYS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2013 || 9 FRANK D. SCOTT, JR. APPOINTED TO COMMISSION

BY DAVID NILLES

1912

L to R: Commissioner Robert S. Moore, Jr., Director Scott E. Bennett, Governor Mike Beebe, Commission Chairman John Ed Regenold, Commissioner Frank D. Scott, Jr., and Commissioner Tom Schueck.

Frank D. Scott, Jr. speaks at the press conference announcing his appointment to the Commission. 2013

OVERNOR MIKE BEEBE, along with AHTD staff and 100 YEARS members of the Highway PROGRESS G to earn it.” of BY RANDY ORT it done. So I said it sort of reminds me of I don’t deserve to be here, but I’m sure going young person.” Commission, gathered before the media someone giving me a chance when I was a announcement of the Arkansas State Higgins Switch community. He received his on October 17th for Governor Beebe’s Scott grew up in Little Rock and the undergraduate degree from the University THE SHIFT FROM QUANTITY TO QUALITY Beebe was referring to former Governor { } of Memphis. He then obtained a Master’s Highway Commission’s newest member, Dale Bumpers who appointed a young Scott, a former top aide of Governor Frank D. Scott, Jr. of Little Rock. Beebe to the Arkansas State University strategic management from the University board of trustees in 1974. of Business degree with an emphasis on Beebe and now business development Scott was Beebe’s Intergovernmental s you probably know by now, 2013 officer for First Security Bank, will Affairs Director beginning in 2007. He left of Arkansas at Little Rock. Scott serves on the boards of directors marks the 100th anniversary of the complete the term of John Burkhalter, who the Governor’s staff in 2012 to join First In addition to his work at First Security, Lieutenant Governor. left the Commission to enter the race for Security Bank. Highway Commission. We hope you an eager young man to an experienced, “I’ve watched Frank develop from for the Little Rock Port Authority and Big A enjoyed the recently completed four-part series on the At age 29, Scott is one of the Brothers/Big Sisters of Central Arkansas. Commission’s youngest appointees. knowledgeable and fair-minded Commenting on the appointment of Scott, history of the Commission and Department that ran “This is a young man who served on my At the announcement Scott addressed Of his age Governor Beebe commented, professional,” Governor Beebe added. AHTD Director Scott Bennett said, “I have in this magazine. We have a history to be proud of — the media. Scott through his work with First Security had the privilege of meeting Commissioner an enormous respect for because of how 100 years of progress — but it was also 100 years of policy team and who I came away with utterly smart he is, and how he works so “I thank Governor Beebe because I see and I look forward to working with him on change. Look at where we have come from... hard and how he deals well with people, so many things that he has done that I only the Commission in the years ahead.” absorbs information and goes and gets here today on the shoulders of many giants.  hope I can follow in his footsteps. I stand Scott’s term on the Commission will run through January of 2017. (continued on page 12) 10 || WWW.ARKANSASHIGHWAYS.COM/MAGAZINE.ASPX THE LAST ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN FILLED WITH CHANGE. DOES ANYONE WANT TO VENTURE A GUESS WHAT THE NEXT 100 YEARS MIGHT HAVE IN STORE?

1950s

1920s

WE HAVE MORE

The Jetsons. Copyright Warner Bros. Animation. QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS WHEN IT COMES TO THE FUTURE OF ne hundred years ago, a family was fortunate to HERE ARE SOME FACTS THAT WE DO KNOW: TRANSPORTATION AND own one horse; today an individual may own one permanent funding for our entire highway • Three quarters of our current funding comes from Our highway system is now in place — of our highway system. Long-term, vehicle that has the power of 400 horses. a consumption-based tax (cents per gallon), yet it’s THE WAY WE PAY FOR IT. system is still needed.

} we’ve got the miles, or the quantity. Our O everyone’s goal to reduce consumption. Consequently, to maintain and improve the quality of challenge now is to find adequate funding consumption is down and revenues are down. those miles. However, we need to also improvements to our transportation More vehicles are sold in one week in 2013 than were sold in all continue to pursue funding for corridors We, as a State, need to make sure we One hundred years is a long time. The • The use of alternative fuels (electricity, natural gas, system and quality of life over the last of 1913, and a single car dealership today sells more vehicles in a A road ‘improvement’ today generally means a new, smoother hydrogen, etc.), which have very low tax rates, continues year than were sold statewide by all dealerships in 1913. resources properly. We must provide to rise. Again, this reduces revenue for roads and bridges. expectations have changed — we all paved surface, complete with shoulders and stripes; an like Interstate 49 and Interstate 69. Those are allocating our existing financial 100 years have been significant. Our corridors that will likely increase the education, healthcare, human services, expect to live longer; we expect life to ‘improved’ roadway used to mean the tree stumps were cut to • And we here in Arkansas like our personal mobility — are significant regional and national size of the system here in Arkansas. At etc., for our citizens, but we also must we rank in the top five in the country in miles driven be easier; and we expect to be able to the same time, it’s imperative that we have a quality infrastructure. All must be annually per vehicle. travel where we want, when we want, lessThe than longest 4 inches and from most the advanced ground. paved highway in the State take care of and improve our existing fairly and adequately funded. highways. Finding adequate funding for When given the opportunity, Arkansas’ years will be very interesting with many future maintenance is critical. as quickly as we want. The next 100 in the early part of the last century, the Dollarway Road, got I mentioned that we made tremendous improvements in the citizens have spoken loud and clear at its name because it cost $1 per linear foot to construct; some last 100 years to our road system. The number of miles on the We believe in the user fee concept — the ballot box about their desire for can’t wait that long. Unless a George improvements. But some improvements highways today cost more than $2,000 per foot to construct. State Highway System has increased by nearly 10,000 miles since it was created – going from a little over 6,700 miles to Does anyone want to venture a guess what the next 100 years connected to every other town by a paved highway. Not every those who use the roads and benefit from better roads. The successful Interstate Jetson flying car becomes a reality nearly 16,400 miles. Every incorporated town in the State is believe there are road user fees that are the highway system that we have while might have in store? Remember George Jetson, his wife Jane, them should pay for them. But we also Rehabilitation Program (IRP) and the soon, we must find a way to preserve being used elsewhere. For example, the votes in successive Novembers provided addressing capacity and congestion issues daughter Judy, his boy Elroy, his dog Astro? (You’re trying to Connecting Arkansas Program (CAP) sales taxes collected on new and used funding for major projects on some of our sing it now, aren’t you). I’m not about to predict that personal State in the nation can say that. And at over 16,000 miles of someday, but it serves as a reminder that we have more questions highway, we’ve got more centerline miles than California, New vehicles, parts, services, tires, batteries, shifted from expanding to maintaining flying machines might be the principle mode of transportation for the future. It’s clear our focus has than answers when it comes to the future of transportation and York, Illinois and Florida. etc., are considered road user items in — from quantity to quality — and that major highways. But those programs are the way we pay for it. many states, but not here in Arkansas. requires appropriate funding.  Bottomline, we have the 12th largest highway system in the short-term fixes, not long-term solutions. 12 || WWW.ARKANSASHIGHWAYS.COM/MAGAZINE.ASPX country, but we rank 43rd in revenue to operate the system. They address needs on less than 4% ARKANSAS HIGHWAYS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2013 || 13 An AHTD Striping Crew lays down paint on a new stretch of highway in northwest Arkansas.

(Above L. to R.) Mark Sandridge, Stephen Robbins, Dustin Hall, Zane Smith, Chad Walter and Bobby Estes.

(L. to R.) Don Norris, Traffic Investigator and Boyd Dickey, Striping Superintendent, ON THE JOB with standing on the test strip. THE STRIPING CREW

LAYING DOWN THE LINES ALL ACROSS THE STATE { BY DAVID NILLES {

HERE ARE OVER 16,000 MILES OF CREWS AND Thursday afternoon,” Dickey adds. and then hardens when it cools on the roadway. The thermoplastic is used in HIGHWAYS IN ARKANSAS. And every EQUIPMENT STATEWIDE To get a better idea of what is involved, the Arkansas Highways staff joined one of one of those highway miles includes With so many miles of highways, it takes a great deal of AHTD manpower to keep those crews near Eureka Springs recently northwest Arkansas. stripes marking the travel lanes. White high traffic areas such as central and them properly marked and the stripes in as their day began. stripes, yellow stripes… all laid down as solid lines or T good condition. KEEPING THE broken lines. “We have six striping crews across the STRIPES VISIBLE “We go where we are needed,” says Chad The Arkansas Highways staff spent time recently State with four to six employees on each week we were down near Texarkana, this This reporter was curious just how long Walter, Striping Crew Supervisor. “Last with Boyd Dickey, Striping Superintendent in crew,” says Dickey. week we’re in northwest Arkansas.” a paint stripe can last on the highway. the Maintenance Division, and with a striping Maintaining the State’s system of Laying the stripes is accomplished “The life of a paint stripe depends on crew in northwest Arkansas to learn more highways is a fulltime job. using six paint trucks. Five rigs use “The crews are on the road striping about the enormous task of keeping the traffic volume on the roadway,” says uses thermoplastic. Thermoplastic is soft faster the stripe wears out. That’s why we Arkansas’ highways properly marked. water-based paint and the sixth one Dickey. “The more traffic on a roadway, the use thermoplastic in our larger cities.” 52 weeks a year, they head out of Little Rock on Monday morning and return on when heated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (continued on page 16) 14 || WWW.ARKANSASHIGHWAYS.COM/MAGAZINE.ASPX ARKANSAS HIGHWAYS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2013 || 15 maps that show what stripes have been An AHTD paint truck An AHTD paint truck painted or are scheduled to be painted at work in the 1950s. at work in 2013.

stripe is to be laid down in each location… over a two-year span and what type of centerline or an edge line.

ONBOARD THE TRUCKS

The paint trucks that make up the paint- striping fleet are impressive pieces of machinery. Costs of the vehicles can range featured in this story is the Department’s from $330,000 to $500,000. The truck newest one, out on the road for one year, UNKNOWN TO MOST MOTORISTS, THE “They are awesome machines, you STRIPE LAID DOWN ON THE PAVEMENT and costing $430,000. wouldn’t believe all the equipment they CONTAINS MORE THAN JUST PAINT. have onboard,” Dickey comments. “We’ve “INCLUDED ON THE ROADWAY WITH seen a number of improvements in the THE PAINT ARE TINY GLASS BEADS equipment on these trucks in the last ten years.” However, something like a turn lane off they are supposed to be. For example, if THE SIZE OF A GRAIN OF SAND. is used, the empty barrels are washed and the crew is laying down markings for a Each truck has four paint guns on the left selected striping location. Once the paint greater visibility. then resold. A stripe’s longevity also can be affected side and one gun on the right. A computer of an Interstate will have a wider line for truck operators where the passing lane by the width of the travel lane. a toll on road markings as well. Winter is onboard that measures the length of passing lane, the Zoner indicates to the In addition to traffic, weather can take to their assigned highways, they go to markings should begin and end. That weather brings snow and the snowplows each stripe and is even capable of cutting “With ideal conditions, on a ten-hour day Before the paint striping rigs travel the paint wears out quicker because clearing the highways can take a toll the paint guns on and off accordingly for striping something like an Interstate, we “If it’s a narrow road or a curved road, these trucks,” Walter states. called the “test strip.” Here, the crews vehicles tend to cross the stripes more on a highway’s markings. As a result, something like a broken line. can paint up to 60 miles of highway with a quarter-mile stretch of asphalt that is responsibility falls to Bobby Estes, Striping test all of the paint guns to insure they those roadways have to be striped more The trucks can put down multiple lines Zoner II. Dickey and Don Norris, Traffic PAINT AND REFLECTIVITY are working properly. This helps prevent which has wider lanes, the paint lasts frequently than in other” areas of the State. as they travel and can utilize more than Investigator, also spend time as Zoners. often. On something like an Interstate Unknown to most motorists, the stripe unplanned mechanical breakdowns on paint truck rolls down the highway at longer because vehicles don’t run over the Keeping track of what needs to be one color of paint at once as well. Once on location and in operation, the markings as much.” painted or what has recently been painted “These trucks can spray yellow on laid down on the pavement contains more location. about seven miles per hour as it begins to is a group effort. the left side where the centerline goes “We test all of the rigs out to make certain lay down a stripe. while doing white on the edge line over with the paint are tiny glass beads the that everything is functioning as it should On narrow roads, the stripes may have to than just paint. Included on the roadway their crews out on the road about what size of a grain of sand. Those beads down a thermoplastic line that needs to be be painted every year. On wider roadways “Our Districts send us information from “It may move slower if we are putting to four years. they have seen that needs painting,” says thicker than average,” says Dickey. such as Interstates, the stripes can last up by the shoulder,” Dickey states. “On the before we leave Little Rock,” Dickey states. Dickey. “The public is also good about at the same time or we can put down a LAYING THE STRIPES As for the accuracy of where the line Interstate, we can put down two lines reflect a vehicle’s headlights at night and calling us with areas that need restriping.” broken line indicating a passing zone.” the stripe. “All of our striping has to be consistent should be painted, “Some of our drivers In northwest Arkansas, there is significant that reflection increases the visibility of All of that information is stored on The stripes the machinery puts across the State,” says Dickey. “We use the are so good at lining up the trucks, the damage to the stripes due to heavy traffic Mountains, there are numerous switchbacks down can be of different widths as well. beads are laid down on top of the paint,” Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices foreman can put that stripe right where volumes. Also, in areas such as the Ozark “The paint goes down first, and then the A stripe four inches wide is normal. Walter explains. in order to comply with regulations.” The it goes,” says Dickey. “When an overlay is computers at Central Office. In addition, “The Department’s Materials Lab takes manual is issued by the Federal Highway done, sometimes the paint truck driver and traffic tends to cross the lines. Dickey’s office walls display color-coded samples of all of our paint and the glass will be able to follow the seam in the beads to make sure they meet the AHTD’s by which road surface markings are overlay job if it is in the center of the road. Administration. It specifies the standards designed, installed and used. “We don’t put anything on the roadways members that can pull a string for the specifications for reflectivity,” Dickey adds. If there isn’t a center seam, we have crew that doesn’t come out of that manual or is trucks and mark the roadway to make Paint for the trucks is stored in Little approved by one of our engineers.” sure the stripe is exactly where it belongs. Rock and comes in 52-gallon barrels from three or four times a year. Each paint truck a supplier in Ennis, Texas. It is ordered has a tractor trailer rig that travels with markers made of plastic that can be put Once on location, a “Zoner” comes into In addition, 3M Corporation makes flip up the crew in order to supply paint to the correctly placed on the roadway where down that mark where the line is to go.” Chad Walter lays a stripe by operating play. The Zoner insures markings are from the back cab of the paint truck. (continued on page 18)

ARKANSAS HIGHWAYS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2013 || 17 ONCE ON LOCATION AND IN OPERATION, “ THE PAINT TRUCK ROLLS DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT SEVEN MILES PER HOUR AS IT BEGINS TO LAY DOWN A STRIPE. Paint used for striping comes in 52-gallon barrels and is stored in Little Rock.

used to scrape off any excess paint on the A GROUP EFFORT Once the line is down, it takes four to warm day. The thermoplastic dries quicker any serious paint build up from sticking. five minutes for the paint to dry if it is a guns, but spraying WD40 on them keeps In the last twelve months,” because it comes out of the paint gun at The trucks get a thorough inspection crews have laid down 3,650 miles once a year to look for any maintenance OUT & ABOUT the paint stripes on the driving surface is or repairs that may need doing to the of markings using five trucks. CALENDAR OF EVENTS AROUND THE STATE such a hot temperature. Cost for putting on the road, there are AHTD staff equipment or to the vehicle’s engine. In addition to the AHTD staff out members in the Maintenance per foot for thermoplastic. “We do our maintenance and repairs As you travel Arkansas over the next two months, consider checking out ten cents per foot for paint and 20 cents in the winter months when our schedule some of the listed events. Our State is full of interesting things to do, as a helpful support team. NOVEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 31 ❋ TRACKING THE WET PAINT Division in Little Rock that serve no matter which highway you find yourself driving. For additional event “We get great support from Tony good for routine mechanical maintenance listings, check Arkansas.com/events. Garvan Woodland Gardens eases a little,” Dickey adds. “Rainy days are Sullivan, our State Maintenance HotHOLIDAY Springs, LIGHTS AR 2013 the paint truck, escort vehicles are as well.” To coordinate the flow of traffic around situated in front of and behind the truck GARVAN GARDENS HOLIDAY LIGHTS: NOVEMBER 23 our Assistant State Maintenance ❋ as it rolls down the road. The lead vehicle WORKING AROUND Engineer,” Dickey says. “John Mathis, See 2 million brilliant bulbs in one of Arkansas’ most anticipated events. • NOV. 23 - DEC. 31 and the rear vehicle stay in constant THE WEATHER Stuttgart,WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AR DUCK CALLING CONTEST Maintenance Engineer, are a huge transform approximately 17 acres into a memorable animated holiday display communication with the paint truck Engineer and Brooks Booher, Staff AND WINGS OVER THE PRAIRIE FESTIVAL NOVEMBER 29 – DECEMBER 1 the year depending on what the weather ❋ PETIT JEAN MOUNTAIN RENDEZVOUS: Experience a primitive camp ❋ Paint crews are scheduled throughout and learn some of the survival skills used by Arkansas pioneers. Watch a variety area as necessary. And yes, occasionally is doing. help as well,” Dickey adds. “Our Senior driver and let traffic through the work 16TH ANNUAL MOUNTAIN RENDEZVOUS once the stripe is down, a vehicle does Morrilton, AR Accountant, Gail Davis, and Becky Petit Jean State Park make sure we keep our spending in more! • NOV. 29 - DEC. 1 inadvertently run through the wet paint temperatures,” Dickey adds. “For our Hunt, our Administrative Officer, of demonstrations including muzzle loading rifles, tomahawk throwing and “Our location depends on the DECEMBER 2 – 13 despite the warnings. The paint crews ARKANSAS CRAFT GUILD‘S CHRISTMAS SHOWCASE: my wife Loretta as well, she makes ❋ refer to that as “tracking.” line with our budget. I should mention water-based paint, we like to lay it down ElTHE Dorado, FESTIVAL AR OF TREES “Despite the escort vehicles, the warmer. We can’t be up in the north part photography, wood work, artisan purses, decorative and functional pottery, South Arkansas Arts Center when the temperature is 40 degrees or at the end of the day!” More than 90 artists offer unique handcrafted fine jewelry, glass vases, art of the State in the winter because it is sure I have completed my paperwork handwoven clothing and accessories, furniture, candles, sculpture, paintings, DECEMBER 5 – 7 problems,” Dickeys shares. “We have some too cold to lay the paint. We try to get Whether out on the road on the bath and spa products, and much more. Shop for unique gifts or add to your cones and the flashing lights, we still get vehicles that will run through the paint collection of Arkansas art. • DEC. 6-8 7TH ANNUAL ARKANSAS FIBER ARTS EXTRAVAGANZA accidentally, while others intentionally person involved in laying stripes Hot Springs, AR markings finished up there in the summer truck or back in the office, each Hot Springs Convention Center go through it and laugh it off. We also will plays a major role in keeping our ❋ HISTORIC WASHINGTON CHRISTMAS AND CANDLELIGHT: months when it is warmer. In the colder DECEMBER 6 – 8 ❋ have vehicles entering the travel lane from of the State.” highways clearly marked and safer for months, you’ll find us in the southern part provide as you stroll through the historic village. The homes of yesterday are a driveway or side street and that causes motorists driving across Arkansas.  You and your family will be in awe of the natural beauty that candlelit streets adorned with pine cones, grapevines, magnolia and evergreens. Decorations, ARKANSAS CRAFT GUILD'S tracking as well.” can affect laying the paint down as well. CHRISTMAS SHOWCASE In addition to the cold weather, humidity music and more will set the mood for an historic holiday experience. • DEC. 14 Little Rock, AR Statehouse Convention Center WHEN THE JOB IS DONE DECEMBER 14 ❋ Members of the striping crew work together to 27TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS AND CANDLELIGHT the day, clean up begins on the trucks. plan the next job Washington, AR Once the paint trucks are finished for Historic Washington State Park Each truck is equipped with a water tank, on their schedule. DECEMBER 20 With the simple push of a button, the computer system will rinse out the paint North Little Rock, AR ARGENTA ART WALK guns and the lines. A wire brush or knife is

18 || WWW.ARKANSASHIGHWAYS.COM/MAGAZINE.ASPX Lakeport Plantation was built in 1859.

Paul Michael Company

Lake Chicot

Lake Chicot State Park WEEKEND BY DAVID NILLES ROAD TRIP HIGHWAY 82

outhern Arkansas holds many interesting destinations and Highway 82, running east and west across that area of the State, is a great road to travel to see what Experience the South through the eyes of its artists at the Lake Chicot was formed when the main channel of the Mississippi park is located at 2542 Highway 257, which is east off of Highway 65. awaits. This month’s Weekend Road Trip begins in the southeast corner of the Guachoya Cultural Art Center5 River changed course forming this 20-mile long oxbow lake. The State at Lake Village and turns westward as we make our way to El Dorado. park is a peaceful setting for fishing, boating and bird watching. It . Guachoya, named for the Indian birding opportunities in Arkansas. For overnight visitors, there are century, is a great cultural and artistic center for this area of the S is nestled in a pecan grove and offers some of the best year-round Province located here when DeSoto came to this area in the 16th Lake Village is one of many communities enjoying the view. State. Art exhibitions and workshops by regional and local artists in Arkansas that takes advantage of being your way to Jack R. Rhodes Lake Front swimming pool makes a great place to stay cool. Visitors to the park On leaving this area of town, make campsites available and cabins as well. In the summer months, the situated beside a lake or river. Here you’ll Paul Michael Park3 can rent bikes, boats and personal water craft at the park store. The (continued on page 22) Right across the highway from are held throughout the year. The Center is located at 1652 Company2 enjoying the lake. The park is a good place the Welcome Center is . It’s ideal for spending some time Highway 65/82. the family enjoys, you’ll want to make a for a stroll on a trail or to take in some Calhoun McGehee find the largest natural oxbow lake in . If home décor is something Monticello in Lake Village should be the Arkansas stop here while you are in Lake Village. 278 the country, Lake Chicot. The first stop 278 Warren Welcome Center1 This well known store features all kinds amphitheater as well. The park can be fishing. There is a swimming area and Hampton Drew of items for the home including furniture, found on Main Street, just look for the at 3697 Highway 425 provides information on everything to 167 65 65/82. The Center opened in 2010 and Fourteen points of interest on the 4 do and see in this area of the State. The the roadway. 3 63 Highway 82 Weekend Road Trip 1 flower arrangements, rugs and one of Confederate Monument dividing Bradley 5 most unique feature of this Welcome in the South. Traditional, rustic and Should you want to enjoy an extended 2 82 7 the largest selections of Christmas décor Lake 8 6 modern designs can all be found under stay on the lake before heading down El Dorado Village 14 12 9 82 13 Hamburg Center is the 3,700 square-foot multi-level 165 65 the lake and Lake Chicot State Park4. Observation Deck at the Union Chicot 11 10 fishing and observation deck looking over one roof. The store is located at 3696 Highway 82, travel to the north end of Arkansas Welcome Center 82 82 Highway 65/82 Ashley 167 20Lake || Chicot. WWW.ARKANSASHIGHWAYS.COM/MAGAZINE.ASPX Be sure to spend some time Highway 65/82. Crossett Eudora 425 THE HIGHWAY 82 BRIDGE, WHICH CONNECTS History awaits visitors at the Lakeport Plantation6. This historic house was built up as well. Don’t think of leaving without dessert. An assortment of pies, Rhoda’s Famous including eight household servants. In 1860, the plantation popular as they are. Burgers, sandwiches and plate lunches are cooked Hot Tamales LAKE VILLAGE, The plantation is operated by Arkansas State University produced 1,300 bales of cotton and 10,000 bushels of corn. is the only remaining Arkansas antebellum as a museum and educational center. Tours of the ARKANSAS, TO in 1859 for Lycurgus and Lydia Johnson. It cupcakes and fried pies are on display and shouldn’t be missed. Rhoda’s GREENVILLE, is located off of Highway 65/82 at 714 Saint Marie Street. Monday through Friday. To reach the plantation, take plantation home on the Mississippi River. Lakeport Plantation are available at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The journey west on Highway 82 out of Lake Village leads travelers MISSISSIPPI, TOOK structure is one of Arkansas’ premiere Featuring Greek Revival architecture, the to Ashley County and the town of Hamburg. Hamburg is the home of the While in town, stop at the Watson House9 NINE YEARS TO Highway 142 South off of Highway 82 just before reaching annual Armadillo Festival, held the first weekend in May each year. Highway COMPLETE. IT historic structures. It was added to the the Highway 82 Mississippi River Bridge. . Built in 1918, this The plantation gives a glimpse of the people 82 Bridge7 into Mississippi just for the sense of adventure. National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Before leaving town, you’ll want to cross the impressive house serves as the Ashley County Museum. The house FEATURES 2.5 and cultures that shaped plantation life in is designed in the Neo-Classical Revival style. It was placed on the MILES OF BRIDGE The four-lane bridge opened in 2010 and leads to National Register of Historical Places in 1978. In recent years, the Lakeport focuses on the Antebellum, art exhibitions. The museum displays works of art, artifacts, records the Mississippi River Delta. Greenville. The structure features 2.5 miles of bridge deck home has played host to lecture series, Civil War reenactments and DECK AND TWO CONCRETE TOWERS and two concrete towers reaching 425 feet into the air. Civil War and Reconstruction periods Construction took nine years and totaled $330.3 million. and documents relevant to the history of Ashley County. While on the and Transportation Department and the Mississippi drawn vehicles. This collection includes carriages, surreys, sleighs and REACHING 425 FEET in Arkansas. Of note is the fact that the It was a joint venture between the Arkansas State Highway premises, take time to see the Erskine Harriman collection of horse- wagons. The house is located two blocks from the downtown square at INTO THE AIR. Plantation has remained in continuous cotton production since the 1830s when Department of Transportation. When opened in 2010, it learn about the restoration of the house and slaves first worked its soil. Visitors can was the fourth largest cable-stayed span in North America. 302 N. Cherry Street. the lives and artifacts of the people who Lake Village, stop in for lunch at Rhoda’s Famous Hot If the timing is right and it’s meal time, before leaving Located south of Hamburg on Highway 425, just over two miles north lived and worked at Lakeport. For example, Tamales8 The Morris Pine10, of the junction with Highway 82, is the largest tree you are ever likely of southeast Arkansas. There is a reason the tamales are as , a well-known eating establishment in this part to see in Arkansas, or any surrounding State. It’s wooden sign along the highway and take the short path to the tree. The in 1859, a total of 155 slaves worked here a Loblolly Pine estimated to be close to 300 years old. Watch for a

Morris Pine stands over 120 feet tall, and more impressively, it is more appreciation for how large this old Loblolly really is. than 16 feet around at its base. Standing beside its trunk gives you an (continued on page 34)

The Morris Pine The Watson House in Hamburg

Highway 82 Bridge

22 || WWW.ARKANSASHIGHWAYS.COM/MAGAZINE.ASPX ARKANSAS HIGHWAYS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2013 || 23 Felsenthal National The arts are thriving in El Dorado and can be Wildlife Refuge Felsenthal National experienced at the South Arkansas Arts Center12. Five miles west of Crossett, Highway Wildlife Refuge11 82 leads to the will want to spend time here. The in South Arkansas and North Louisiana. The Arts . Outdoor enthusiasts The Center is a cultural heartbeat for people living

streams, creeks and lakes, and spans this with monthly gallery exhibitions featuring local, 65,000 acre refuge is made up of various Center’s mission is to educate and entertain. It does three counties. The objective of the refuge regional and nationally acclaimed artists, a season of is to provide habitat and protection for community theatre productions, as well as classes for South Arkansas Arts Center waterfowl and other endangered species children and adults in visual arts, photography, ballet,

the American alligator and the bald eagle. such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, music and drama. The Arts Center is located at 110 E. into the rich history of southern Arkansas. The house is located at The refuge lies within the Mississippi History buffs will want to visit the Newton 5th Street. Flyway — the “Highway in the Sky” House Museum13 To enjoy the outdoors in El Dorado, head to the South Arkansas for a number of migrating waterfowl, 510 N. Jackson and is open for tours Monday through Friday. . The museum is housed in a two- Arboretum14. This site, located next to the high school, is dedicated shorebirds, songbirds and birds of prey. story Gothic Revival home built circa 1849. Inside is authentic décor that reflects the house’s pre-Civil War to preserving the native, rare and economically important flora THE OBJECTIVE OF THE REFUGE IS TO PROVIDE A refuge bird list, containing almost 300 era construction. It is the only house built prior to the Arboretum features various species of animal life, canopied of the West Gulf Coastal Plain region of the United States. The species, is available at the Visitors Center. Civil War that is open to the public in El Dorado. The exhibition of area wildlife found in the HABITAT AND PROTECTION The Visitors Center houses an impressive home of John and Penelope Newton, it offers a glimpse FOR WATERFOWL AND OTHER ENDANGERED SPECIES. woodlands and open grassy areas. It is home to a variety of wildlife including birds, mammals and reptiles. The flower gardens attract refuge. Recreational opportunities include wildlife observation, environmental a number of interesting butterflies and insects. Explore more than hiking trails, fishing, hunting, camping, South Arkansas Arboretum is unique in the State because it is the two miles of paved foot trails on the arboretum’s 12 acres. The only such facility directly located within an urban area. To get to the primitive campsites in the refuge and two education and photography. There are 11 campgrounds adjacent to the area. and travel one mile to El Dorado High School. gardens, from Highway 82B, turn north on North Timberlane Drive American archaeological sites, primarily Felsenthal also contains over 200 Native This month’s journey ends in El Dorado. But there are more things trip and all there is to do along the way will be the subject of a future to see and do on Highway 82 as it continues west to Texarkana. That from the Caddo tribe that lived in the area.  camps, ceremonial plazas, temple mounds These sites include the remains of fishing 1849 Newton House Museum and large villages containing as many as Weekend Road Trip as we travel Arkansas’ highways.

South Arkansas Arboretum 200 structures. The Visitors Center is located just off of outdoor enthusiasts a year. Highway 82 and welcomes over 400,000

the “Golden Triangle,” the geographic area Continuing westward leads travelers to

that includes Camden, Magnolia and El This town is best known as being the Dorado. Our destination is El Dorado.

Arkansas, earning it the nickname heart of the 1920s oil boom in South

El Dorado’s downtown area is alive with “Arkansas’ Original Boomtown.”

national historic district. For shopping activity. In 2004, the area was declared a and dining, there are plenty of retail stores and restaurants from which to choose.

ARKANSAS HIGHWAYS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2013 || 25 DEREK CANARD

MAGAZINE Arkansas Highways GRAND CHAMPION OF INSPECTORS Magazine COMPETITION RECEIVES 1ST PLACE Arkansas Highway Police Officer Wins North American Award BY DAVID NILLES IN NATIONAL COMPETITION group of 52 of the best law

enforcement professionals from across Procedures, HazMat/Transportation of Dangerous Goods BY DAVID NILLES North America gathered in Salt Lake Inspection, Standard Cargo Tank/Other Bulk Packagings ACity in August to compete in the North American Inspection, Passenger Vehicle (Motorcoach) Inspection and Inspectors Championship. The competition is held each Out-of-Service Criteria Exam. “Congratulations to the 2013 North American Inspectors year to promote commercial vehicle safety and saving Championship award winners and to all of those who competed he Arkansas State Highway “We are thrilled to be recognized by lives on our highways. this year,” said Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and Transportation our peers in the transportation industry,” hard work of these dedicated law enforcement professionals as Puerto Rico and the District of President Major Mark Savage of the Colorado State Patrol. “The Department recently The annual skills contest in which the save lives every single day by keeping unsafe commercial vehicles makes a real difference and we owe a great debt of gratitude to Columbia participated in the conference. Roadside inspectors such as those that gathered in Salt Lake City Treceived national recognition for its magazine won an award is conducted by magazine represents an opportunity and drivers off of our highways. our commercial vehicle inspectors for keeping trucks and buses said Scott Bennett, AHTD Director. “Our Department publication Arkansas to share our story and give our readers operating safely on our highways.” Highways Magazine. work of its public relations practitioners insight into who we are, what we do, and “The contestants’ enthusiasm and passion goes a long way AASHTO to recognize the outstanding This year, Officer Derek Canard of the Arkansas Highway Police and to promote an exchange of ideas. our Department’s accomplishments.” in advancing commercial vehicle safety and saving lives,” adds (AHP) was awarded the Jimmy K. Ammons Grand Champion category of External Newsletter at The contest is considered the premier The AHTD’s winning entry, Arkansas The AHTD won first place in the Award. Canard works out of AHP District Two in Jackson County. competition in the transportation industry Highways, is printed bimonthly for AHTD and the commitment he has made to commercial motor vehicle techniques and experiences they share with others help improve “Corporal Canard is to be commended for this accomplishment Stephen Keppler, CVSA’s Executive Director. “The information, for the American Association of and the awards have become a standard employees and an external audience. uniformity in the enforcement of highway safety standards TransComm 2013, the annual meeting State Highway and Transportation of public relations excellence among State throughout North America.” safety and security,” stated AHP Chief Ron Burks. “Congratulations Arkansas Highways is available In addition to the printed version, to Corporal Canard on this well-deserved honor.” best examples of innovation, planning, free of charge online at international event dedicated to recognizing and rewarding Officials (AASHTO) Subcommittee DOTs. Winners demonstrate the very The North American Inspectors Championship is the only In addition to the title of Grand Champion, Canard won first Attendees from Departments of production, execution and evaluation of www.arkansashighways.com on Transportation Communications. place in the Level 1 Inspection, the Passenger Vehicle (Motorcoach) results and budget.   commercial vehicle inspector excellence. Inspectors competed Inspection, Hazardous Materials/Transportation of Dangerous

26Transportation || WWW.ARKANSASHIGHWAYS.COM/MAGAZINE.ASPX in all 50 states as well under the “Publications” tab. in six areas at the competition: Level I inspections, Inspection Goods and the ARKANSASCargo Tank/Bulk HIGHWAYS PackagingsMAGAZINE • NOVEMBER Inspection. 2013 || 27 EVENTS

SPECIAL EVENTS BY GLENN BOLICK AROUND THE STATE NEW SECTION OF HWY. 530 Fort Smith School District Joins Dedicated with Large Crowd AHTD for SAFETY EVENT Moore’s remarks and thanked the AHTD for opening the new road. bout 300 people gathered near ust in time for the beginning of a new school AStar City as Commissioner Robert year, the Fort Smith School District and the S. Moore, Jr., AHTD staff, local Highway 530 is a planned 38-mile, JAHTD joined forces on August 8th to stress officials and a huge contingent of Star City four-lane roadway often referred to students officially dedicated a new 18-mile as the Interstate 69 connector road. construction zone. A news conference was held at the need for driver safety in the Interstate 540 section of Highway 530 on September 6th. It will eventually connect Interstate Fort Smith Northside High School. a great job of allowing extra time and “But the public has responded and done It connects Interstate 530 in Pine Bluff to 530 in Pine Bluff to Highway 278 near using extra caution when traveling “This is just the beginning of economic Highway 114 near Star City. Wilmar and the proposed Interstate 69 through there. We can’t thank the public growth that can springboard off a project as two lanes. Fort Smith Superintendant Dr. Benny Gooden corridor. It will initially be constructed enough for their patience.” and AHTD Assistant Chief Engineer for Operations have already been let for construction Emanuel Banks shared the stage to highlight the like this,” said Moore. “Projects such as Eight contracts totaling $152 million patterns changed with the addition of school buses, improvements to seven miles of development. This represents the best of the extra need for driver safety since summer traffic The $78 million project to make Highway 530 are interwoven with economic American spirit. This is the basis of a real been completed. The eighth contract of Highway 530. Seven of those have teen drivers and school-aged walkers. Interstate 540 from Interstate 40 to revival in southeast Arkansas.” (Top) Pine Bluff Mayor Dr. Gooden stated that many of the 60 Fort Smith Highway 22 was awarded to Kiewit will connect to the new Highway 11/425 the single largest construction contract  Debe Hollingsworth and others school bus routes to and from 26 schools go through Infrastructure in November of 2012. It is Pine Bluff Mayor Debe Hollingsworth and Interchange to the south. Estimated were on hand to dedicate the noted that all drivers must plan ahead for extra let in AHTD history. The work includes AHTD Assistant Chief Engineer for Operations and across Interstate 540 several times a day. He Star City Mayor Gene Yarbrough echoed completion for that job is late 2014. new section of Highway 530. travel time with the return of school and stressed replacing the pavement, replacing nine Emanuel Banks stressed the need for driver (Bottom) Commissioner Robert S. safety in the Interstate 540 construction zone. that drivers should never pass a stopped school bus. Moore, Jr. addresses the crowd. bridge structures. Work is expected to bridges and the modification of four  “We realize that this Interstate 540 construction has delayed traffic since work began,” said Banks. be complete by late 2014. BATESVILLE DEDICATES Hope Hosts Dedication for Another Section of Hwy. 167 bringing this project to conclusion with minimal HISTORIC HWY. 67 SECTION disruption.” District Three Engineer Steve Frisbee noted “That is a tremendous selling point for industry he weather was perfect in Batesville heading north to Cave City,” said Elumbaugh. project along a section of historic in our area.” District Three multi-million bridge replacement Ton October 18th as AHTD Director bridges and resurfaced sections of the highway Engineer that the $9.5 million project replaced six Scott E. Bennett joined a large crowd Steve Frisbee A Scott E. Bennett, was the prime contractor for this latest job. The Highway 67 east of Hope was AHTD Director of elected officials and business leaders to Batesville contractor White River Materials officially dedicated on August 29th. Once known between Hope and Emmet. Manhattan Road and dedicate another section of Highway 167. recognized retired District Three Engineer Don continuation of the widening we completed as “The Broadway of America,” according to Bridge Company had the contract. Frisbee also “This $6.9 million widening project is a $6.9 million contract included widening the Donaldson who was in attendance. Hope Mayor Dennis Ramsey, he noted that the highway to five lanes from Highway 69 north have future plans to continue widening all highway has always been significant to Hope to the south in 2011,” said Bennett. “And we for about three miles to Highway 394. Work also and Hempstead County. Perrytown Mayor Dave Rose said he has included installation of a new traffic signal at and is glad to see it improved. “Even though we now have Interstate 30, traveled this section of Highway 67 for 37 years the way to Cave City.” the intersection with Highway 25/69 and added Highway 67 will always be an important part Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh praised curbs and gutters for a half-mile section. the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation progress and was impressed by the professionalism “We now have a four lane highway from contract that widened the highway to Highway of our local economy,” said Ramsey. “We thank “I took a special interest in watching the project the AHTD for the widening of Highway 167. The previous widening job was a $9.4 million and work of the crews,” he added.   Dedicating Highway 167 section Department for effectively and efficiently Bald Knob to the south, through town and 233 to the south.

28 || WWW.ARKANSASHIGHWAYS.COM/MAGAZINE.ASPX ARKANSAS HIGHWAYS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2013 || 29 LETTERS

I would like to tell you what a wonderful job is being done on FLAT TIRE HELP DRUG RECOGNITION EXPERT HIGHWAY 10 REFLECTORS INFORMATIVE PRESENTATION A couple of weeks ago, a friend and Interstate 40 between Conway and Little Rock. My husband On September 25 at 9:40 a.m., I had On behalf of the Criminal Justice lnstitute, I attended a presentation by Keli Wylie a visit with a friend who lives in Van a flat tire in the middle of Interstate 40 I want to thank the Arkansas Highway I were returning to Little Rock from at Engineer’s Club on September 23 about and I have traveled quite a bit, and he worked on Interstate know Keli did a great job and represented East. I was heading to Little Rock from Police for the continued support of the the CAP Program. I just wanted you to the Department very well. 80 between Yuma, Arizona, and San Diego years ago. I was Conway, and at that time a large rock Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Program. Buren. When we got to Morrilton, was on the highway. I couldn't avoid it Recently, a DRE school was held at the we decided to take Highway 10 to so worried about the construction around Conway. To my Hamrick of your Department was one of Highway Department for the light Steve W. Haralson, P.E. and it made my tire flat. Benton Police Department. Sergeant James Little Rock. I would like to thank the who works with AHTD came along and the instructors at this school. Sergeant Executive Director However, only 5 minutes later a man amazement and appreciation that is the most contained and reflectors on this section of Highway huge help. His name is Adrin Ward. airport runway, making driving much cleanest highway job we have ever seen. No delays of any kind. helped me to chang the tire. It was a Hamrick's knowledge and dedication of 10. They light up the road like an State Board of Licensure for Professional safer at night! (Maybe we were lucky, I don’t know.) It looks great. The other theWe DRE look Program forward is inappreciated. continuing to work Engineers and Professional Surveyors this gentleman should make you proud! with your Department to provide these Little Rock, Arkansas I just want to let AHTD know that Janice Botner Thank you so much! training programs to improve highway area that is beautiful is the Interstate 430/630 area in Little GRATEFUL FOR ASSISTANCE Heeyoung Nixon safety in the State. Rock. What a beautiful design on the supports and of the Little Rock, Arkansas NOTE: The AHTD employee referenced Sincerely, above is Adrin Ward, Maintenance Aide I GOOD WORK COMMENDATION Last Friday, October 18, my wife and interchange itself. A real pleasure to visit the area. Jon Waldrip in District 6. I were traveling west bound on I-40 and on some people that have helped the had a flat tire on my 2013 Toyota Tacoma. Also, whomever mowed Highway 202 between Flippin and I wanted to take a second and brag Arkansas DRE Coordinator We managed to exit at the Crystal Hill exit PRISTINE REST AREA Summit did a great job! Fence line to fence line, clean and neat. COURTEOUS OFFICER and began to prepare to change the tire. I the jack was located and how to use it, City of Rogers in a multitude of ways: got the owner’s manual to find out where as well as how to release the spare tire. Thank you again for the way these jobs are being done. I have the occasion to visit the rest Perry Johnston, Carlos Meredith, I am writing to inform you about one of were very helpful in securing our area on 167 south of Batesville on a ever met. Steve Morgan and Jennifer Williams Peggy Baker who is responsible for maintaining the the most kind and courteous officers I have federal grant for the Mercy Hospital regular basis. I do not know the man Trailhead. At this point I was very concerned at my Yellville, AR age if I had the strength and stamina to here on a regular basis and have never Lamb looking at me from his vehicle area, but he is to be commended. I stop I was on Interstate 40 about two weeks complete the task. Then I noticed Officer found anything out of place, untidy or ago. I had just left West Memphis and had Perry Johnston, Lori Tudor, Rita in need of attention. The restroom is as helpful to us regarding the AHTD right traveled about 15 miles down Interstate and asking if I needed help. I answered NEW REFLECTORS SMOOTHEST ROADS clean as most hospitals, the grounds are Looney, and James Braden were very his vehicle and helped me with changing 40 when I had a blow out on one of my rear affirmative and he immediately parked the tire. Without his help we could quite To all involved in the upkeep of pristinely kept and trash is nowhere to tires. I put my flashers on and pulled over of way near the AMP. Thank you for installing reflectors to the side of the road. As I pulled over, an went beyond his call of duty to help me. The AHTD locals, David Bushey, how to get the spare tire out from under on Highway 69 between Newport and Arkansas State Highway 9/10 on the be found, except in its proper place. It officer pulled up behind me. Mr. Felix Carr possibly still be trying to figure out Mountain Home and Norfork. They takes pride in their job and strives Steve Lawrence, Bobby Keeton, and the truck. Batesville and on Highway 5 between Perry County side: GREAT JOB LADIES certainly make night driving easier. is rare these days to find anyone who Jeff Wheeler are always very helpful & GENTLEMEN! Job well done! I am 71 years old and have never changed and are great allies for the City. positive attitude along will his willingness I've laid my head in Lonoke, Pulaski, a tire in my life. I just want to say, this is More importantly, Officer Lamb’s to do it well. This man does. I for one who really knows how to treat people. but people rarely get commended to help a person in trouble should be what the world needs today — an officer I apologize if I have missed anyone, Also, we noticed red reflectors Clark and Independence County. I've appreciate his efforts. I sincerely hope for their good work and these people his efforts. between Batesville and Melbourne lived in Perry County approximately know they are on the wrong side of I am not the only one who recognizes deserve special mention. on Highway 69 which let drivers 15 years where the roads have always Robert Taylor Felix Carr, if you're ever in Hot Springs, look recognized. My wife and I are truly the road. population wise, but they have the Thank you, again!!! to help and can say he is certainly an been great! Perry County may be small, me up! I would like to treat you to dinner. Thank you, grateful for Officer Lamb’s eagerness smoothest roads to travel on. NOTE: The AHTD employee referenced asset to the Arkansas State Highway and Sincerely, Sincerely, Steve Glass above is Anthony Gilmore of the Transportation Department Robert Carr Steven Independence County Maintenance Crew Gail Haney Violet Hill, Arkansas in Batesville. Hot Springs, Arkansas Claude Fulton Director, Planning and Transportation Perry County, Arkansas Rogers, Arkansas ARKANSAS HIGHWAYS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2013 || 31 PUBLIC MEETINGS SPENDING TIME WITH AN ARKANSAS HIGHWAY MAP CAN BE ON THE INTERESTING. THE FOLLOWING IS THE NAME OF AN ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION PLANS TOWN IN ARKANSAS! HAVE YOU EVER VISITED HERE? AROUND THE STATE MAP Throughout the year, public meetings are held around the State in communities where roadwork is being planned. These meetings are an opportunity for citizens to hear about and respond to future highway construction happening in their area.

OIL TROUGH

AUGUST 29 - OCTOBER 24, 2013 PUBLIC MEETINGS ocated in the southeast corner of Independence County, just south of the White River, is the town of Oil Trough. The town sits 1 Construction Topic: 4 Construction Topic: HIGHWAY 16 NORTH SEARCY CONNECTOR Lin a rich area of bottomlands known as the Oil Trough Bottoms. PASSING LANES TWO LANE CONNECTOR In the early 1800s, the area was a favorite hunting ground for French Pangburn, AR Searcy, AR frontiersmen. Large stands of cane along the White River made safe Meeting Location/Date: Meeting Location/Date: surroundings for a variety of game including bears. The limestone cliffs Pangburn High School College Church of Christ August 29, 2013 September 24, 2013 nearby provided a perfect place for bears to make their dens. Legend has it that the town was named after the wooden troughs that hunters 2 Construction Topic: 5 Construction Topic: used to store their bear oil. There are accounts that HIGHWAY 63 INTERSTATE 430-HIGHWAY 10 the bear oil was placed in the troughs and then floated PASSING LANES INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENTS downstream as far as New Orleans for use in cooking, Williford, AR Little Rock, AR cosmetics, hair dressing and tanning leather. The first Meeting Location/Date: Meeting Location/Date: post office in the area, named Pleasant Island, was Lighthouse Baptist Church Second Presbyterian Church September 3, 2013 October 17, 2013 established in May of 1832. The name was changed to Bear hunting Oil Trough in June of 1849. played a role in Oil Trough Construction Topic: Construction Topic: For many years, there was a ferry boat crossing the 3 6 getting its name. HIGHWAY 25 HIGHWAY 65 White River at Oil Trough. The ferry carried passenger PASSING LANES WIDENING TO FIVE LANES traffic from Highway 14 across the river. The ferry boat service was Drasco, AR Choctaw, AR discontinued in 1975 when a bridge was built on Highway 122 between Meeting Location/Date: Meeting Location/Date: Oil Trough and Newark. Drasco General Baptist Church Choctaw Church of Christ September 19, 2013 October 24, 2013 The population of Oil Trough is 262 people. The local schools closed due to school consolidation—the high school after the graduating class of 1990 and the elementary school not long after.  32 || WWW.ARKANSASHIGHWAYS.COM/MAGAZINE.ASPX ARKANSAS HIGHWAYS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2013 || 33 AHTD PEOPLE AHTD The AHTD employs approximately 3,600 people. DISTRICT 4 We welcome our new employees, congratulate others on PEOPLE promotions and service, and say goodbye to those retiring.

DISTRICT SIX • Jared Bymaster, Construction Field DISTRICT EIGHT • Jose Garcia-Avalos, Backhoe/Front new employees Engineer I; Scottye Courson, Construction Aide III; Billy End Loader Operator, 10 years; Lisa Gilbert, Office Otts, Construction Aide I; James Tarry, Multi-Axle Truck Administrative Assistant V, 5 years COMMUNICATIONS • Gina Breseman, Telecommunications Driver CONSTRUCTION Operator DISTRICT NINE • Mary Cruce, Roller Operator, 10 years; DISTRICT SEVEN • Lindsey Dow, Fuel Clerk; Richard Jeffery Conyers, Distributor Drill Operator, 5 years RIGHT OF WAY • Regina Westbrook, Abstractor Green, Guard; Russell Hopper, Maintenance Aide II; DISTRICT TEN • James Adams, Assistant Bridge Inspector, SURVEYS • Bradley Brimhall, Single Axle Truck Driver Waylon Power, Roller Operator; Jeff Venable, District 25 years; Billy Mitchell, Sealing Job Superintendent, 25 CORNER DISTRICT ONE • Roy Hunt, General Laborer; Justin Marbry Engineer years Jr., General Laborer; Antwan Wilborn, General Laborer DISTRICT EIGHT • Melvin Mabry, Motor Patrol Operator – DISTRICT TWO • Kari Boykin, District Receptionist; Sterling Finish; Kerry Powers, Inspector Flowers, Janitor; Adam Stuart, Skill Trades Trainee; Homer DISTRICT NINE • James Dunbar, Motor Patrol Operator retirement rogress continues near Cartwright, General Laborer; David Felts, General Laborer; – Finish MAINTENANCE • Mark Lyons, Staff Traffic Engineer, Issac Barnes, Single Axle Truck Driver; Joshua Davis, DISTRICT TEN • Ronnie Dunbar, Crew Leader; Ronnie 25 years; Tommy Kirkpatrick, Pavement Profiler Job Fort Smith on a project that is General Laborer Richardson, Crew Leader Superintendent, 30 years P DISTRICT THREE • Brandon Bennett, General Laborer DISTRICT TWO • Jeraldine Thompson, Guard, 10 years DISTRICT FOUR • Marty Dedmon, Single Axle Truck Driver; DISTRICT FIVE • Barry Hutson, Area Headquarters James Sanders, Single Axle Truck Driver service paving 5.5 miles of Future Interstate 49 Attendant, 35 years. DISTRICT SIX • Brian House, Rest Area Attendant; ARKANSAS HIGHWAY POLICE • Fred Ware, Arkansas in the Fort Chaffee area. This extension Leandrew Cranford, General Laborer; Christie Cromeans, Highway Police Corporal, 30 years DISTRICT SIX • Karl Sturm, Bridge Job Superintendent, will extend from existing Highway General Laborer; Johnstin Daniels, Single Axle Truck Driver 26 years; Shirley Hammett-Hutchins, Area Headquarters of Highway 71 is on new location and CONSTRUCTION • Gregory Hellmann, Inspector, 35 Attendant, 20 years DISTRICT SEVEN • Kathy Mabe, Single Axle Truck Driver years; Byron Price, Sealing Job Superintendent, 25 years; Denice Stitt, Resident Office Technician, 20 DISTRICT SEVEN • Kenneth Butler, Electrical Plumber & DISTRICT EIGHT • Christopher West, General Laborer; years; Bazzel Bates, Construction Project Coordinator, Mechanical Repairer, 25 years Teresa Wood, Single Axle Truck Driver; Kyle Desalvo, 71 to the northeast, connecting with 20 years; Joseph Knight, Assistant Resident Engineer, Single Axle Truck Driver DISTRICT NINE • Keith Maupin, Electrical Plumber & 15 years; Timothy Combs, Construction Aide I, 10 years; Mechanical Repairer, 23 years Highway 22 at Barling. DISTRICT TEN • Jared Roark, General Laborer; Courtney Ryan Herndon, Construction Helper, 10 years; Jesse lane, divided roadway. This project Johnson, General Laborer; Carla Johnson-Jones, Single White, Construction Materials Inspector, 5 years; Ryan Three projects are building the four- Axle Truck Driver; April McBride, General Laborer Blankenship, Construction Field Engineer II, 5 years; Chancie Acosta, Construction Aide I, 5 years memorials HEAVY BRIDGE MAINTENANCE • Eugene Farrell, Crew ARKANSAS HIGHWAY POLICE • Coby C. Shipp, 9/20/2013, was let to contract in October of 2012. promotions Leader, 10 years retired; Corporal James A. Joiner, 10/13/2013, retired APAC-Tennessee, Inc. of Memphis was ARKANSAS HIGHWAY POLICE • Julie Bellott, Data Entry LEGAL • Michelle Davenport, Staff Attorney, 10 years FISCAL SERVICES • Tommie Marie Ellis, 9/26/2013, retired Operator; Jack Stepp, Arkansas Highway Police Captain awarded the contract at $22.6 million. MAINTENANCE • Mark Lyons, Staff Traffic Engineer, 25 DISTRICT ONE • James W. Davis, 10/5/2013, retired FACILITIES MANAGEMENT • Phillip Watkins, Facilities years; David Allen, Geotechnical Drill Operator Management Project Coordinator DISTRICT FOUR • William N. Bice, 10/7/2013, retired Construction began in February of 2013. PLANNING & RESEARCH • Jack Gazin, Administrative MAINTENANCE • DISTRICT SEVEN • Ovell Jackson, 9/6/2013, retired Crews have completed approximately Melvin Light, Sign Crew Supervisor Officer III, 15 years MATERIALS • Cary Snyder, Materials Technician II; Claude SURVEYS • Donnie Sanderson, Surveys Crew Chief, 25 DISTRICT EIGHT • Shannon Melton Cotton, 9/18/2013, retired 20 percent of the project. The new Woods, Materials Technician II years; Virgil Butler III, Surveys Crew Chief, 25 years DISTRICT TEN • Kenneth H. Beaton, 10/3/2013, retired  highway is expected to be finished in PROGRAMS & CONTRACTS • Carlos Meredith, Engineer II DISTRICT ONE • Rommie Harris, Motor Patrol Operator – RADIO • Zak Chumney, Communication Maintenance Finish, 30 years; Morrison Baker, Maintenance Aide II, the summer of 2014. Specialist 15 years; Gregory Mosley, Maintenance Aide II, 15 years; active duty Joey Dunigan, Distributor/Roller Operator, 10 years; RIGHT OF WAY • Yvonne Hunt, Closing Agent; Steven Corey Crawford, Dozer Operator, 5 years As of 10/31/13, the AHTD has two employees serving active Means, Section Head – Appraisals DISTRICT TWO • William Rowland, Assistant Bridge duty in the United States military. Deployment date is noted. SURVEYS • Bracy Young, Surveys Aide II Inspector, 5 years PLANNING & RESEARCH • E. Wright-Kehner, Staff Research DISTRICT ONE • Allen Davis, Multi-Axle Truck Driver; DISTRICT THREE • Donald Langston, Distributor/Roller Engineer, 5/30/13 Michael Mann, Maintenance Aide II; Don Moore, Operator, 10 years; Christopher Soundberg, Senior DISTRICT SIX • Jeremy Stokes, Construction Helper, 5/28/13 Maintenance Aide II; Gina Weaver, Senior Inspector Mechanic, 5 years. DISTRICT TWO • Sammie Green, Backhoe/Front End Loader DISTRICT FOUR • Douglas Edwards, Maintenance Aide Operator II, 5 years DISTRICT THREE • Derick McMillen, General Laborer; DISTRICT FIVE • Billy Clemmons, Backhoe/Front Jeremy Thomas, Resident Engineer; Detrich Young, End Loader Operator, 35 years; Barry Hutson, Area Backhoe/Front End Loader Operator Headquarters Attendant, 35 years; Lisa Fick, Office DISTRICT FOUR • Robert Hamrick, Maintenance Aide I; Tim Administrative Assistant V, 5 years Henretty, Motor Patrol Operator – Finish; Cody Holland, DISTRICT SIX • William Richmond, Maintenance Aide II, Senior Inspector; Anthony James, Multi-Axle Truck 25 years; Patricia Fletcher-Kester, Office Administrative Driver; Dennis Kruse, Backhoe/Front End Loader Operator; Assistant V, 15 years Oscar Martinez, Maintenance Aide I; Joseph McNeely, Construction Aide I; Jennifer Salazar, Finish Carpenter; DISTRICT SEVEN • Kenneth Butler, Electrical Plumber Johnny Sledd, Street Sweeper Operator & Mechanic Rep, 25 years; Ronald Forman, Bridge Job Superintendent, 25 years; Richard Steed, District Bridge DISTRICT FIVE • Anthony Cossey, Construction Aide I; Inspector, 25 years; Cameron Forbush, Crew Leader, 15 Darrell White, Senior Construction Materials Inspector years; Thomas Ezell, Maintenance Aide II, 10 years

34 || WWW.ARKANSASHIGHWAYS.COM/MAGAZINE.ASPX ARKANSAS HIGHWAYS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2013 || 35 Arkansas State Highway and PRSRT STD Transportation Department U.S. POSTAGE Post Office Box 2261 PAID Little Rock, AR 72203 Little Rock, AR 72203-2261 Permit No. 2556

FORWARDING SERVICE REQUESTED