Siloam Springs Drivers Ready for Highway Project to be Finished

Drivers in Siloam Springs are dealing with a bit of a headache on Highway 412, dodging in and out of orange barrels and one lane traffic at times.

"It's kind of dangerous in spots," said Sandra Thompson.

"There's some days it's lined up clear past the bypass," Bonnie Barnes said.

"You got a lot of trucks coming through here, gobs of trucks," said Charles Meyer.

The highway department is widening the road to six lanes, with a controlled median separating east and west bound travel.

The project has a price tag of $7.7 million and is largely being paid for with funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Darrel Scott's tire business has been located on 412 since the late 1970's.

He's worried about the impact this project could have on his store.

"We feel sorry for the hassle they're going to have to go through to get to us and, when they get ready to leave, how hard it's going to be for them," he said.

Most folks agree the road needs to expand, but there are mixed feelings about the median.

"I think it's absolutely crazy myself.  Springdale had that years ago, and they ended up taking it out," said Joe Capps.

"It's probably inconvenient, but it might be safer," Meyers said.

With a controlled median going in, some businesses in Siloam Springs, like McDonald's, are relocating closer to an intersection.  That way traffic can still turn in from every direction.

Despite his concerns, Scott said he'll stay put.

"There's no more intersections to be had, everybody's gulped them up," he said.

And drivers are finding their own ways of coping with the construction.

"I just avoid it, I'll take Tulsa Street, any street, I just won't go down it," Barnes said.

"I usually go the back roads and avoid it," Capps agreed.

"I can't wait till it's over," said Thompson.

The project should be finished by November.