Centerton Residents Provide Feedback on Arkansas 102 Widening Project
In an effort to tackle traffic congestion, the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) held a public involvement meeting in Centerton to gather feedback on the proposed widening of Arkansas 102. The project aims to transform the two-lane highway into a five-lane stretch with curb and gutter from North Vaughn Road to Main Street.
Background and Concerns
Residents have been eager for this development given the significant population growth Centerton has experienced in recent years. Centerton’s population has risen from approximately 9,500 in 2012 to almost 25,000 today. The growth along with neighboring Bentonville has led to increased traffic issues, which locals believe can be alleviated by widening the highway.
Key Features and Changes
The planned project includes several improvements, such as the installation of a roundabout at the intersection of Arkansas 102 and North Vaughn Road, a 5-foot sidewalk on the north side of Arkansas 102, a 10-foot shared use path on the south side, and a traffic signal at the intersection of Arkansas 102, Municipal Drive, and Commercial Street. Since the last public involvement meeting in July 2022, the highway department has made several changes to the project, including the addition of a traffic signal and further refinements to the design.
Feedback and Timeline
Those who attended the meeting expressed mixed views on the project. While some were supportive of the widening, others voiced concerns about the potential impact on local businesses and residents. Despite these concerns, many residents believed the project was long overdue due to the ongoing congestion issues. Residents who could not attend the meeting have until June 21 to submit their feedback on the ARDOT website. If the project proceeds as scheduled, construction is expected to begin in August 2026.
