As a company that specializes in transportation and logistics, we have to keep aware of construction zones and other potential delays to our delivery routes. This allows On Time Logistics to stay true to its name by providing on-time delivery from professional couriers.
We thought we’d take the opportunity to provide some information about upcoming highway projects. We don’t have exact dates, but this information from the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department will give our readers an idea of what to expect in regards to highway construction in Northwest Arkansas.
First of all, let us explain that these plans come from three different primary funding sources. STIP is Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (federal/state/local funds). IRP is the Interstate Rehabilitation Program Funds (GARVEE bonds). CAP stands for Connecting Arkansas Program Funds (state funding from sales tax).
The latest information available (November 2015) shows that several projects have been scheduled and the estimated cost is known. Other projects are in the works but do not have a contract yet. Those dollar amounts are estimates.
Current projects:
- Widening I-49 from Highway 412 to Wagon Wheel Road, estimated complete Late 2016 ($21.6 million)
- Widening I-49 from Highway 71B to Highway 412, estimated complete early 2017 ($28.3 million)
- Bella Vista Bypass from Highway 71B to Highway 72 South-estimated complete late 2016 ($52.6 million)
- Adding a bypass Highway 112 to I-49 in Springdale-estimated complete mid 2019 ($100.6 million)
- Highway 264 (exit 78) Interchange improvements-estimated complete mid 2016 ($6.1 million)
Upcoming projects:
- I-49: Highway 62/102-Highway 72 exits Widening and interchange improvements-scheduled to begin mid-2016 ($20 million to $40 million)
- I-49: Highway 62/102 exit Interchange improvements and 8th Street widening in Bentonville-scheduled to begin mid-2016 ($20 million to $40 million)
- I-49: Highway 264 to New Hope Road exits Widening-scheduled to begin mid-2016 ($40 million to $60 million)
- I-49: Highway 71B Interchange improvements (exit 85)-scheduled to begin in 2016 ($10 million to $20 million)
- I-49: Elm Springs Road (exit 73) Interchange improvements-scheduled to begin early 2016 ($5 million to $10 million)
- I-49: Porter Road to Highway 112/71B exits widening and interchange improvements-scheduled to begin mid 2016 ($40 million to $60 million)
- I-49: Highway 16/112 (exit 64) Spur interchange improvements-scheduled to begin 2017 ($10 million to $20 million).
- I-49: Highway 62 (exit 62) Interchange improvements-scheduled to begin 2017 ($20 million to $40 million)
Planned, but not contracted yet:
- Bella Vista Bypass from County Road 34 to the Missouri State Line ($20 million to $40 million)
- Highway 71 Interchange-Part of the Bella Vista Bypass ($40 million to $60 million).
As you can see, we should expect many more orange barrels in the next few years. We look forward to the better roads that these projects will provide!