North Belt Freeway in Central Ark. Back on Table

Leaders from around Central Arkansas once again discussed the North Belt Freeway proposal at a Metrolplan meeting Wednesday.

It's a plan that's been in the works since the 1940's. But building it now could cost close to $700 million.

Now, it's got a new shot, though some say, the plan is still just a road to no where.

"I just don't think it's going to happen. I'm not trying to be negative. I'm just trying to be realistic," said Sherwood Mayor Virginia Hillman.

Sherwood mayor is not the only one feeling negatively about the North Belt Freeway.

The plan intends to connect North East Pulaski county with the north west, allowing the interstate system to come full circle.

People driving from Jacksonville and Cabot could steer far clear of downtown, cut through Camp Robinson to loop up with I-40 and I-430.

"I think it's important to connect the metropolitan area and to help circulations in the metro area to get people jobs and services," said Jim McKenzie with Metroplan.

McKenzie says they expect $60,000 drivers on the north belt freeway every day by 2030.

Each year of waiting to build, he says, adds millions to the estimated cost.

"The money's there, it's just a question of priorities," he said.

But while ultimately Metroplan Board Members voted to move forward with the plan Wednesday, a number were skeptical. The money, they say, won't materialize.

And in the meantime, they worry development is stalling. Landowners can't build on property plugged up by the project.

Mayor Hillman says the North Belt Freeway may look good on paper, but not where the rubber meets the road.

"It sounds good, but there's a lot of things that sound good. It's sounded good for 50 years."

The next step is for the highway department to approve Metroplan's decision. They meet next month.

Even if all goes according to plan, cars wouldn't be driving the North Belt until 2025.