FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6-29-2020
Contract: Chris Brown
City Engineer
City of Fayetteville, AR
(479) 575-8205
cbrown@fayetteville-ar.gov
City of Fayetteville Seeking Input on Proposed Safety Improvements to Archibald Yell Boulevard
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.—The City of Fayetteville is asking for public input on future improvements to Archibald Yell Boulevard. The City has prepared a questionnaire to collect information from residents and visitors regarding the convenience and safety of the roadway as it exists now, as well as feedback on the proposed improvements. The online questionnaire is available on Speak Up Fayetteville, the city’s online public engagement portal: www.fayetteville-ar.gov/speakup.
Archibald Yell Boulevard cuts through the historical grid of streets located south and east of Fayetteville’s downtown square. In its current format, the four-lane, high-speed boulevard is a barrier to pedestrians wanting to move from neighborhoods south and east of Archibald Yell to destinations around the square and entertainment district. The goal of this improvement project is to reduce or eliminate these pedestrian barriers and create a street that is safer for pedestrians and cyclists while still providing adequate levels of service for vehicles.
The planned improvements will consist primarily of safety improvements to the three-way intersection of Archibald Yell and South College Avenue/Rock Street, including pedestrian and lighting improvements, installation of a traffic signal at South Street, and pavement marking adjustments throughout the corridor. The plan also includes traffic analysis to determine the possibility of changing from a four-lane to a three-lane concept with single lanes in each direction and a central turn lane.
The need for improvements to Archibald Yell Boulevard have been cited as part of the City’s Mobility Plan, as well as in the Master Plan for the 71B Corridor; including needs for better pedestrian safety, traffic calming, and a means of reducing accidents at the intersection of S. College, Rock Street, and Archibald Yell. The project will be funded through the Bond issue approved by voters in April, 2019. Construction is slated to begin in the summer of 2021.
For additional information about the Archibald Yell Boulevard, visit the City’s website at www.fayetteville-ar.gov/archibaldyell.
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