Arkansas Department of Transportation’s The Highway 167 Emergency Route Project

Ramsey Mountain on Highway 167 is just to the south of the only White River crossing in a roughly 40-mile area. The highway geometry on this portion of the roadway includes a 114-degree curve and over 100 feet in elevation change, leading to commercial vehicle rollovers which can block the highway for extended periods of time. For that reason, the project built emergency lanes to provide a route which can be used during these events allowing traffic to continue flowing; allowing people from the nearby communities of Batesville and Southside access to work, schools, and grocery stores. The lanes of the Ramsey Mountain Emergency Route are opened by local authorities in the event that an emergency blocks lanes on Highway 167 so that local traffic can be redirected to these new bypass lanes. Overall, the Ramsey Mountain Emergency Lanes will benefit the local community by improving transportation efficiency, reducing travel time, and boosting local commerce. Additionally, the $1.7 million project will create job opportunities and promote economic growth in the area through increased accessibility and connectivity.

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