Mayor talks Myers, Broad Street projects – plus plans for another term

Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh recently visited with White River Now’s Gary Bridgman about a variety of ongoing projects in the city, including the Myers Street expansion; the sewer work on Broad Street that will head into the west side of town; and the new splash pad near West Elementary School. 

The interview was for “The Official Word,” a public affairs program presented by First Community Bank that airs at 9 a.m. on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ Tuesdays and at the same time on 93 KZLE Wednesdays.

In the visit, Elumbaugh discusses the Myers Street project that will run the complete length of the street — from St. Louis to the 20th Street intersection where a roundabout will be located, replacing the current stop signs. 

With the recent census figures showing an increase in the city and county population, Elumbaugh said traffic flow will be very important to the community’s growth. The mayor told Bridgman an engineering firm identified the need for a roundabout at the 20th and Meyers intersection. Elumbaugh said studies have shown roundabouts at intersections can be safer due to the controlled speed required and the fact that some drivers will no longer be running a stop sign, reducing the risk of a traffic accident.

Elumbaugh also addresses the ongoing sewer upgrade going down Broad Street and into the west side of town. The street is currently closed to main traffic as the city digs into the pavement for the installation of a new 42-inch line that will replace a crumbling pipe.

The mayor discusses the construction of a new splash pad at West Elementary that is a partnership between the city and the Batesville School District.

And finally, Elumbaugh tells Bridgman that he’s ready for another term and other future projects for the city, including a major infrastructure announcement that will be made soon.

Listen to the interview below.