FORT SMITH (KFSM) – City leaders have approved a resolution on an $8.5 million plan to extend Kelley Highway in a project that will connect Interstate 540 to the Fort Smith riverfront.
The Fort Smith Board of Directors this week approved a resolution authorizing the city to execute the engineering contract for the 7,000-foot-long extension, which is set to construct and widen Kelley Highway from Midland Boulevard to Riverfront Drive.
Engineer Stan Snodgrass stressed the project is still in its infancy, but said the recent movement means the plans will actually come to fruition in the coming years. Construction is set to begin in 2018, he said.
The city has negotiated an $827,381 contract with Morrison Shipley Engineers to perform design work on the project over the next 18 months, according to a memo from Snodgrass to city administrator Ray Gosack.
Snodgrass said he expects the extension to be a popular change with local motorists, as it will give drivers a more direct route from the interstate to the riverfront area.