New Road For Texarkana Regional Airport To Provide Better Emergency Access

Work should begin on a new project at Texarkana Regional Airport just as soon as the land around it dries out from all the rain. The first phase is a $2 million emergency access road. The funding for the road is being provided through a FAA grant. It will stretch from Highway 82 to the proposed southern main entrance. This entrance will one day replace the current one off of Highway 67. It is the first phase of construction because of traffic problems surrounding the entrance. Trains often block the road leading into the airport. "The passengers cannot get in. The access road is narrow enough to be consistent with crossing designs that 18 wheelers are commonly stuck off road trying to get in, blocking tracks, which creates a hazard for oncoming trains," says Airport Director Stephen Lubbert. Along with the road, water and power lines will also be put in place for an aircraft rescue and firefighting station and a new terminal. The whole project should be completed in the next four years.