Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Smithton crossing to get flashing lights

Although a specific timetable for completion was not included in the order, the Arkansas State Highway Commission has informed Mayor Clayton Franklin that flashing lights with gates will be installed at the railroad crossing on Smithton Road, north of Gurdon on Clark County Road 13.

Franklin said Thursday the crossing lights and gates are part of a safety improvement effort passed by the Highway Commissioners at its January meeting.

"We are really not sure when the Clark County flashers and gates will go up at the Smithton crossing, but it is a for sure improvement now on the state schedule to be done," Mayor Franklin said.

Dan Flowers, director of Highways and Transportation for the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, said the Commission determined the Smithton Railroad Crossing is one of three in the state "where improvements are warranted to improve safety."

The other two Arkansas railroad crossing to be improved are in Jackson County, north of Possum Grape on County Road 4, and in White County, north of Kensett on County Road 414.

All three crossing service Union Pacific Railroad and are to undergo the installation of flashing signals with gates.

The Highway Commission has dictated maintenance of the signal devices be performed by the railroad company, at no cost to Arkansas.

All required right-of-way is to be furnished, also at no cost to the state, and the appropriate program approval is to be designated by the Federal Highway Administration.

"We need the flashing lights and the crossing guards out there, as the area is an accident risk," Mayor Franklin said.