No end in sight for roadwork

Mayor addresses complaints on social media

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

West Memphis is no stranger to “things that go bump in the night” worrying residents. From mysterious loud bangs that end up being fireworks from football games to other types of “bangs” that aren’t so harmless and even another type that may or may not be ARDOT road crews working into the wee hours of the night. The Times recently caught with one of those crews working the graveyard shift to find out what really is going on with the repaving project on Missouri and Broadway.

“Right now we are fixing the joints” said ARDOT worker Daniel Garza, “But that is all we have been told to do for now.”

When asked about the delay due to waiting on sensors that need to be installed under the asphalt at traffic lights Garza said that was, in fact, true but that he had no idea when the sensors would come in and that for now they were instructed to reinforce the “joints” or the small ramps that have been put in place to lesson the wear and tear on vehicles from the sharp two to three inch rises and drop-offs in the unfinished asphalt.

While speaking with Garza a foreman who did not identify himself joined the conversation and answered more burning questions on the minds of West

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Memphians.

“Right now we have no completion date on the project. It all depends on when those sensors come in and they should have been here by now. But as soon as they do it will be a quick job.” said the foreman. As for the reinforcing of the joints the foreman said that it was being done because they will need to “last longer” again implying it may be some time yet before the project is completed.

He went on to say that while rain and the coming cold temperatures are always a concern and could cause delays that modern asphalt techniques do allow for installation even in cold weather as long as the temperature stays above 40 degrees. It can still be done at lower temperatures but the chance of cracks and potholes within the first year greatly increases. As for the rumors on social media that ARDOT has run out of funding for the work the foreman simply scoffed and said “That’s ridiculous.”

Speaking of social media, many residents have taken to it (for a change) to air their grievances with many complaining of dented rims, blown tires, alignment problems and even bodily injuries. With no end date in sight those complaints are expected to increase along with frustrations.

Also taking to social media was West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon this past week answering questions saying, “I never understood when so many new things are going on in our city, but many complain about other issues. Now, I live very close to Rich Road and I have found alternatives ways to Wal-Mart. Why is that bridge so important? Yes, it’s a little inconvenient, but it’s being completed. People for years complained about Broadway and Missouri and now it’s almost complete. I understand the inconvenience but it’s been this way for many years before I became mayor, now the state is finally fixing their responsibility.”

The Mayor continued answering questions and responding to comments but by far, and perhaps mirroring his constituents frustrations, his most common response was “Call ARDOT at 501-5699200 and let me know what they tell you.”