Highway 549: Benton County

CountyMilesEst. Completion
Benton County 9Dec 2021
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Overview

These projects are part of the Bella Vista Bypass corridor that connects with Interstate 49 in McDonald County, Missouri. The bypass provides direct access to businesses and community residents to the south and west of Bella Vista, improves transportation connectivity in northwest Arkansas, and improves safety.

Project Photos

Project Updates

Job CA0903 Highway 71 Interchange

This project constructed approximately 2.8 miles of highway with bridge structures and included a new Bella Vista Bypass interchange with Highway 71 in Bentonville. The construction schedule will be coordinated with the Missouri Department of Transportation's timeline to construct its section of the bypass.

  • Construction Overview
    - Constructed a single-point urban interchange with U.S. Highway 71
    - Removed the roundabout and constructed entrance and exit ramps with U.S. Highway 71
    - Constructed 2.8 miles of two-lane highway with bridge structures
    - Constructed drainage structures
    - Construction was substantially complete in December 2021

Highway 71 Interchange Map

Construction Progress

100%

Updates:

  • Bid Opening
    Arkansas Department of Transportation opened contractor bids in July 2019. The Arkansas State Highway Commission approved a bid for improvements by Emery Sapp & Sons and awarded the project for $66.6 million. 

Schedule:

View CA0903 Project Map

Job CA0904 Highway 71B – Highway 72 South

This project constructed approximately 6.4 miles of the Bella Vista Bypass, extending generally from Highway 71B in Benton County to Highway 72 South. The project involves the initial two lanes of a four-lane facility and a roundabout at Highway 71B.

  • Construction Overview
    - Two-lane highway on new alignment
    - Becket Road and Tanyard Creek bridge
    - McKisic Creek bridge
    - Miller Church Road overpass
    - Arthur Road (Punkin Hollow) overpass
    - Peach Orchard Road overpass
    - Roundabout at Highway 71B
    - The Bella Vista Bypass opened to traffic in May 2017

Construction Progress

100%

Updates:

  • Bypass Opens
    The Bella Vista Bypass opened to traffic in May 2017. The completed two-lane section connects U.S. Highway 71B to State Highway 72, as well as previously constructed portions of the bypass. Motorists in western Benton County, southwestern Bella Vista, and Gravette can travel from I-49 to Benton County Road 34 (12.1 miles) without a stoplight.
  • Educational Meeting
    The Arkansas Department of Transportation (formerly AHTD) conducted two educational public meetings in November 2016 on how to navigate the Bella Vista Interim Modified Connector (Roundabout) for U.S. Highways 71, 71B, and State Highway 549 in Benton County. Meeting materials are available here.
  • Bid Opening
    Arkansas Department of Transportation (formerly AHTD) opened bids in February 2014. The Arkansas State Highway Commission approved a bid for improvements by Kolb Grading and awarded the project for $52.7 million.
  • A contract-signing ceremony and luncheon was held April 16, 2014 to celebrate the first-awarded CAP project. It was hosted by the Northwest Arkansas Council.

Schedule:

View CA0904 Project Map

Job CA0905 County Road 34 – Missouri State Line

This project constructed approximately 2.5 miles of the four-lane Bella Vista Bypass, extending generally from County Road 34 in Benton County to the Missouri state line. The construction schedule was coordinated with the Missouri Department of Transportation's timeline to construct its section of the bypass.

  • Construction Overview
    - Constructed 2.5 miles of four-lane new highway
    - Constructed bridges over Edinburgh Road and Highlands Boulevard / County Road 21
    - Constructed an interchange with County Road 34
    - Will connect with Missouri's portion of the highway
    - Constructed drainage structures
    - Construction substantially complete in October 2020

Construction Progress

100%

Updates:

  • Bid Opening
    Arkansas Department of Transportation opened contractor bids in July 2019. The Arkansas State Highway Commission approved a bid for improvements by Emery Sapp & Sons and awarded the project for $35.5 million. 

Schedule:

View CA0905 Project Map

Schedules are preliminary and are subject to change as project development progresses.

 

What is the Connecting Arkansas Program?

What is the Connecting Arkansas Program?

Through a voter-approved constitutional amendment, the people of Arkansas passed a 10-year, half-cent sales tax to improve highway and infrastructure projects.

Which Projects Are Being Funded By This program?

Which Projects Are Being Funded By This program?

Thirty-one projects in 19 corridors across Arkansas are included in the CAP, which improves transportation connections to the four corners of Arkansas.

Which Projects Are Being Funded By This program?

Visit the FAQ Section For More Answers!

A collection of some of the most frequently asked questions concerning the Connecting Arkansas Program and the projects funded by the 10-year, half-cent sales tax.

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Do you have a question, comment, suggestion or concern? Contact us by emailing info@ConnectingArkansasProgram.com or by using the message fields located at the bottom of every page.

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