MonticelloLive

Chris Lawrence, assistant professor of political science at Saint Louis University, has created a website that provides an educational overview of the interstate 69 project. I-69 is an interstate project in various stages of completion. Eventually, it is planned to connect Canada with Mexico, passing through south Arkansas. The I-69 project impacts southeast Arkansas directly, as current plans call for a new bridge, called the Great River Bridge, over the Mississippi River near Arkansas City. The route will extend from the bridge to El Dorado, and then on to the Gulf Coast through Houston. Plans have not been finalized for either a northern or southern bypass of Monticello.

Not everyone is in favor of the existing project. One source points out that by some calculations, the proposed I-69 route is 84 miles longer than existing interstate.

Federal officials related last week that a green light shines brightly for "for the state to begin acquiring rights of way along part of the proposed path of Interstate 69 in southern Arkansas," according to the KATV website. Appraisals and purchases could begin at any time, according to officials.

Many believe that the I-69 project will bring untold revenue to the areas through which it passes, both in terms of jobs and labor created as it is being built, and through the traffic and visitation it will create as it brings drivers through the area as a conduit north and south.

Related Posts:

• Interstate Plan Moving Forward (5.26.06) - Pine Bluff Commercial
• Official I-69 site (El Dorado to McGehee)
• Three digit interstates off I-30