Officials approve street changes

Extension added to Dixieland

SPRINGDALE — Changes to the city’s street plan were recommended during Tuesday’s Planning Commission meeting.

The commission unanimously approved the changes, which will move to the City Council for approval.

The proposed changes are the result of a standard review the commission does in odd-numbered years, according to Melissa Reeves, public relations director for the city.

“These changes were proposed to address transportation needs of the city to maximize the efficient, safe and orderly flow of traffic through and within the city, serving as a framework for efficient growth and development,” Reeves said.

The changes include an extension from 56th Street to the 412 bypass with a proposed interchange on the bypass, an extension of Dixieland Street from Apple Blossom Road to Wagon Wheel Road and identifying

a need at 45th Place to 40th Street, said Patsy Christie, director of Planning and Community Development for the city.

The Dixieland Street extension will create a connection from the city’s north side to Lowell, said Kevin Parsley, commission chairman.

“This Dixieland extension that comes across Apple Blossom Road helps with accessibility because it’s designed to be a four- to five-lane road,” he said.

There’s no timetable for making the changes to the street plan happen. When it happens, it will likely be paid for with a combination of state and federal money and a bond extension, Parsley said.

“It helps give a blueprint (defining) what are the key initiatives that the city are looking for,” Parsley said.

Christie said there’s no guarantee the changes to the plan will happen.

“We’re getting it on the master street plan so we can move forward with various funding opportunities,” Christie said. “If you don’t get it on there, there’s no plan for it. It’s a planning tool.”

The Dixieland Street extension will create a connection from the city’s north side to Lowell, said Kevin Parsley, commission chairman.