New Lanes Open on Bella Vista Bypass in Benton County
Information Release
Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department
NR 17-164
May 16, 2017
BENTON COUNTY (05-14) – More than 6 miles of newly constructed lanes on the Bella Vista Bypass (Highway 549/Future Interstate 49) in Benton County will be opened to traffic, according to Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) officials.
Beginning Wednesday, May 17 at 1:00 p.m., the completed two-lane section will be open to traffic, connecting 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 will be able to travel from I-49 to Benton County Road 34 (12.1 miles) without a stoplight.
Work began in April 2014 on this $52.7 million section of the bypass. A temporary two-lane roundabout has been constructed as part of the project to provide access to the bypass as well as Interstate 49. A much larger interchange is designed and ready to be constructed that will connect the bypass to I-49, however the AHTD is holding off on that project until Missouri is ready to extend its portion of the bypass to the state line. To date, a total of $128.6 million has been spent on the Bella Vista Bypass.
The project is part of the Connecting Arkansas Program (CAP), which is funded through a 10-year, half-cent sales tax. More information is available at ConnectingArkansasProgram.com.
Drivers should exercise caution when approaching and traveling through all highway work zones. Additional travel information can be found at IDriveArkansas.com or ArkansasHighways.com. You can also follow us on Twitter @AHTD.
