Work to begin on Roark Valley Road

Roark Valley Road in Branson will be straightened later this year between Gretna Road and Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, according to a news release from the city of Branson. More turn lanes also will be added at those intersections of Roark Valley Road.

A citywide transportation study conducted in Branson last year by The Lar-kin Group supported the city of Bran-son's position that the hairpin curves on Roark Valley Road should be straightened and the new turning lanes added.

Roark Valley Road was one of the first streets built nine years ago to alleviate traffic on Highway 76. It has now be-come a major east-west artery that needs to be widened and straightened for smoother and safer traffic flow, the re-lease stated. The construction for Roark Valley Road is among 10 major intersection improvements recommended by The Larkin Group.

Branson City Engineer David Miller said the design work for the Roark Valley Road project is finished, and the city is in the process of acquiring right of way. The funding for the projects identified by the study will come from the city's half-cent sales tax that was approved by voters in 1991 and is earmarked for transportation.