Since 2012 navigating Downtown Texarkana has been a bit more difficult for motorists unfamiliar with areas around Third and Fourth streets at State Line.
That's because on the Texas side of town the streets were one-way only. But that year Texarkana, Ark., changed the flow to two-way traffic because of work on U.S. Highway 71. Texarkana, Texas, did not follow suit.
So, reaching State Line Avenue sometimes called for a little maneuvering. But that will soon be a thing of the past.
The Texas side will start accepting bids this summer to change both Third and Fourth streets to accommodate two-way traffic. Work could get under way within 90 days.
That's not the only change. Both streets are thre-lane on the Texas side and they will be changed to two lanes of traffic. This will allow more curbside parking. The city plans to create 170 spaces.
That's good news, especially when you consider plans for renovating the Grim Hotel into apartments. More parking within a reasonable distance will be needed and some of those spots will fill that need.
In our view this is a positive move. Traffic will flow seamlessly from Arkansas to Texas and vice versa. And residents will get new parking options as well.