Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Oct. 3, 2025 – The City of Jonesboro is taking the next step in a long-awaited project to expand a portion of Caraway Road to not only improve traffic, but also make sure pedestrians are safe.

On Sept. 29, the city posted on its Facebook page that the Caraway Road expansion project modifications will go to the Public Works Committee for approval Oct. 7.

The expansion will see the road from Interstate 555 to Latourette Drive expanded to five lanes, before reverting to three lanes at Glenn Place. The project will cost $5.5 million, with that funding coming from the $17.5 million in capital improvement revenue bonds passed in June.

Director of Communications Donna Malone said this is a project that has been recognized as a necessity for some time.

“Anyone who is trying to get through the intersection of Caraway and I-555 has probably come across some confusion, maybe even danger,” she said.

With more people opting to ditch the car and take a walk, that necessity grew even more, Malone said.

“There are so many more pedestrians than now in Jonesboro than most people probably have realized,” she said. “They enjoy the walks, they enjoy riding a bike, they enjoy scooters and getting around, not having to worry about parking.”

Instead of utilizing sidewalks for the project, Malone said side paths will be installed that will replace the dirt-worn path along Caraway Road. She said this will make it easier for pedestrians or cyclists to get around the more than 15,000 vehicles that travel the road daily.

At this moment, there are two pieces of property for the city to acquire, and utility work is estimated to begin in winter 2025, according to the Facebook post. Malone could not give details on the status of the acquisitions.

If the modifications are approved Oct. 7, Malone said that bids will be put out for the project, with construction expected to begin by spring 2026 and end by 2027.