A stretch of Kinkead Ave. running through the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith campus will be permanently closed to traffic May 15 in accordance with a decision made by the Fort Smith Board of Directors late last year.

 

The portion of Kinkead Ave. from Waldron Road to N. 49th St. will be closed. Drivers will still have access to the Recreation and Wellness Center and the Old Gymnasium parking lots as they approach from the west going east on Kinkead.  

 

University officials request those currently using this street begin to plan alternate routes. Traffic will be directed to either Park Ave. or Grand Ave., which run parallel to Kinkead.

 

City vehicles will still have access through the road for emergency response and sanitation purposes.

 

In October, the Board of Directors approved a proposal from the university to close the portion of Kinkead running through campus, citing safety concerns.

 

For more information, contact Ray Ottman, chief of the University Police Department, at 479-788-7110 or ray.ottman@uafs.edu.