‘Next phase’ of Towson Avenue work approved, funding uncertain

Work on more than $30 million in improvements to Towson Avenue in Fort Smith is closer to reality with completion of an environmental review, according to the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT). However, questions remain about funding.

ARDOT on Tuesday (Sept. 16) said it received a “Finding of No Significant Impact” (FONSI) from the Federal Highway Administration about the estimated $33.4 million plan to renovate and improve 3.8 miles of Towson Avenue from U.S. 271 to U.S. 64 near downtown Fort Smith. The FONSI clears the way for the “next phase of project development,” according to ARDOT.

The scope of the project includes milling and inlay of existing pavement, drainage improvements and sidewalk improvements to implement ADA standards along that 3.8 miles stretch. As of February, the ARDOT cost estimate for the project was $33.4 million, including $20 million for construction, $3.5 million for right of way costs, and $9.9 million for utility cost.

Under one plan, ARDOT would build continuous five-foot wide concrete sidewalks separated from the travel lanes by a three-foot wide berm and curb and gutter. Accessible crosswalks would be provided at all signalized intersections. The cross drains and storm sewers would be upgraded on both sides of the highway to improve drainage along the entire route.

The partnership has the city paying 16% of the cost with the city’s share not exceeding $2 million. The city has $2 million budgeted in the street and drainage department capital improvement plan (CIP) for 2027, Josh Buchfink, public relations manager for Fort Smith, said in February.

But the city also has said it needs up to $25 million to relocate sewer and water lines along Towson Avenue. The U.S. Department of Defense denied Fort Smith’s^[1] pre-application for a $20 million grant to fund water line work along Towson Avenue.

Buchfink on Tuesday said city officials, who are now in the budgeting process for 2026, are not certain about the status of funding needed for its portion of the work.

Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2028, though dates are preliminary and subject to change, according to ARDOT. Once the project is complete, the city will take ownership of that section of Towson Avenue.

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