Ribbon-Cutting Scheduled This Week to Celebrate Completion Of Bella Vista Bypass
Information Release
Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department
NR 17-153
May 8, 2017
BENTON COUNTY (5-8) – Construction is nearing completion on the 6.4-mile extension of the Bella Vista Bypass and a ribbon-cutting ceremony has been scheduled this week to celebrate, according to Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) officials.
On Wednesday, May 10 at 11:00 a.m., members of the Arkansas Highway Commission and Director of Highways and Transportation Scott Bennett will be joined by Congressman Steve Womack at the east end of the McKisick Creek Bridge (see attached map) on the new portion of the bypass. Access to the site will begin at 9:30 a.m.
Work began in April 2014 on this $52.7 million section of the bypass that stretches from State Highway 72 east of the Hiwassee community eastward to U.S. Highway 71B. 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.
Director Bennett will provide an update at this event when motorists can expect the new section of bypass to open. Once it does, the route will be signed as State Highway 549 as well as Future I-49. Motorists in western Benton County, southwestern Bella Vista and Gravette will be able to travel from Benton County Road 34 to I-49 (a total of 12.1 miles) without a stoplight.
