Overview
The Federal Highway Administration, in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Transportation, has finalized an extensive environmental study for the proposed Highway 412 bypass in Benton and Washington Counties, Arkansas. This project will create a vital connection between Arkansas and Oklahoma, enhancing regional transportation and economic ties.
The Springdale Northern Bypass will be a four-lane, divided, fully controlled access highway with interchanges at key locations. It will feature two 12-foot travel lanes in each direction, separated by a variable-width median.
Construction is underway on segments between Interstate 49 and Highway 265, and between Highway 412 and Highway 112. These segments are currently in the right-of-way acquisition phase, with construction set to begin within two years. Part of the Connecting Arkansas Program, this project aims to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in communities including Springdale, Tontitown, Elm Springs, Bethel Heights, Lowell, Sonora, Rogers, Bentonville, Fayetteville, and Cave Springs.
Plans with Oklahoma
Oklahoma and Arkansas are developing a plan to transform U.S. 412 into an interstate, linking Interstate 35 north of Perry to Interstate 49 in Springdale, Arkansas.
The new highway, anticipated to be designated as Interstate 412, will not be completed quickly; the full project is expected to span a couple of years. The initial phase focuses on upgrading a 27-mile stretch of U.S. 412, from Interstate 44 to the Cherokee Turnpike. This early work is a crucial step toward achieving the long-term goal of creating a continuous interstate connection.
The upgrade of U.S. 412 to Interstate 412, linking Arkansas to Tulsa, is a major boost for regional connectivity. It will enhance economic growth, streamline travel and freight movement, and support trade and tourism. This new route promises to benefit communities along the way by improving access and fostering long-term economic development.
Upcoming Infrastructure Projects
Our region is set to see significant infrastructure improvements in the coming years along with this project, with a variety of projects aimed at enhancing road safety and efficiency:
- Mountain Home to Salem: In 2027, $40 million will be allocated to add passing lanes between Mountain Home and Salem.
- Yellville to Boone County Line: Another $20 million will be invested in 2027 to add passing lanes along this route.
- Marion County: Selected sections of an 8.65-mile stretch in Marion County will be repaved, with a budget of $3.7 million. The specific date for this project is yet to be determined.
- Marion County Line to Bellefonte: In 2025, $11.5 million will be spent to add passing lanes between the Marion County line and Bellefonte.
- City of Harrison: Major work is planned for Harrison in 2025, including:
- Intersection improvements and the widening of the highway from Industrial Park Road to Arkansas Highway 7 South, with a budget of $18.1 million.
- Intersection improvements and signal coordination, costing $1.1 million.
- Boone County: Several projects are planned for Boone County:
- Repaving U.S. Highway 65 from the Missouri state line to Highway 62/412, with an $11.9 million budget.
- Repaving U.S. Highway 65B to Maxie Camp Road, costing $1.3 million.
- Repaving Highway 65 from south of Arkansas Highway 206 to Arkansas Highway 123, with a budget of $1.2 million.
Eminent Domain and Property Rights
Eminent domain, the government's power to acquire private land for public use, can significantly impact individuals in the areas affected by the highway improvement projects. While these infrastructure upgrades promise economic benefits and improved connectivity, they may also necessitate the acquisition of private property.
For homeowners and landowners in the project's path, this could mean the loss of their land or homes, sometimes accompanied by emotional and financial distress. Although the government provides compensation for acquired properties, it may not fully reflect the sentimental value or the disruption caused by relocating. This underscores the importance of fair and transparent processes in eminent domain cases, ensuring that affected individuals receive adequate support and compensation while balancing the broader community's need for improved infrastructure.
Looking to The Future
The highway projects from Highway 412 to Highway 112 and from Interstate 49 to Highway 265 are currently acquiring land and relocating utilities. Both projects are set to start construction by 2025. The final part of the Springdale Northern Bypass, from Highway 265 to Highway 412, has funding for 2025, but design work and environmental evaluations are still in progress, so the exact start date hasn't been set yet.
For more information and the latest updates, please visit the following resources:
https://www.nwarpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Hwy-412-Executive-Summary-2020-4.pdf
NWA Real Estate Market Update
The Sleep-Performance Connection: Why Rest is Key to Achieving Your Goals
Ever wonder why some days you’re on fire and others you’re just dragging? The secret might be in your sleep! Here’s how catching those Z’s can make a world of difference in your performance
Read Full ArticleHot Topics in the Media
Housing demand stalls as buyers wait for lower rates
Mortgage rates stayed higher for longer than anyone anticipated this year. Maybe we’ve finally turned the corner?
-Housing Wire
Back to School events across Northwest Arkansas and River Valley
Many organizations across Northwest Arkansas and River Valley welcome children from kindergarten to 12th grade to free back-to-school events.
-KNWA
Smaller Markets, Big Results
Real estate agents share what they love about working in their local regions, and why many clients are eager to buy.
-Nactiona
