Road work could begin this week
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2008
The contract to build the new road between Scotsdale Drive and Gordon Hollow Road has been signed and construction is expected to begin soon, possibly as early as this week. The new road, when completed, is expected to alleviate traffic on residential Oniell Drive, that connects Scotsdale Drive to Gordon Hollow Road.
The contract was signed by representatives of the City of Bella Vista, the Bella Vista Property Owners Association, Benton County, and Mc Donald County, Mo.
The City of Bella Vista and the POA have pledged up to $ 200, 000, each, to complete the project - which is expected to take several months. Construction will be a joint effort between Benton County and Mc-Donald County, Mo.
Oniell Drive, a residential street, is currently carrying in excess of 1, 300 vehicles a day, according to a study completed in 2007 by Benton County officials. Oniell Drive residents have complained of the increasing traffic on what many consider a narrow, dangerous road. They said many area residents use it as a shortcut to the shopping area in Jane, Mo.
In April, amid protest by residents of Oniell Circle, the Bella Vista City Council unanimously approved a resolution to construct the new arterial road con- necting Scotsdale Drive to Gordon Hollow Road. Oniell Circle residents have voiced concern that the new road behind their homes will generate noise and cause property devaluation.
The property where the road will be constructed is owned by Cooper Communities Inc., which granted permission to build it, and lies east of Oniell Circle. Between the backyards of many Oniell Circle residents and the new road lies common property owned by the POA's membership.
Improving the narrow, winding, and crumbling Gordon Hollow Road, that currently ties Oniell Drive to U. S. 71 in Jane, Mo., is also part of the plan.
Mc Donald County, Mo., will begin construction, within a month, to upgrade Gordon Hollow Road to four lanes and replace a rail-less, one-lane, low-water bridge.
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online