Cong. Crawford Seeking I-555 Solution

A plan to upgrade a major highway in Northeast Arkansas to interstate status has faced a lot of apparent roadblocks in recent years.

However, Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro, said Thursday he has an idea to help make U.S. 63 into I-555 a reality.

Crawford said in a statement he plans to craft legislation that would exempt certain vehicles from some of the weight limit restrictions that are imposed once a highway is designated to become an interstate.

The plan calls for U.S. 63 from Jonesboro to Lake David in Crittenden County to become I-555. However, there is one major issue that officials currently face, Crawford said.

“Presently, there is a three-mile stretch of road that spans the St. Francis Floodway (in Poinsett County near Payneway) that requires an access road. Without it, cotton modules, agriculture equipment and some heavy vehicles like dump trucks would be forced to take a 90-mile detour,” Crawford said. “The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department has indicated that an access road could cost as much as $50 million.”

Crawford said he has worked with Arkansas Highway Commissioner Alec Farmer on the idea.

“If we are successful in securing this language in the upcoming highway reauthorization bill, we could save up to $50 million while not materially affecting the manner in which traffic crosses the floodway today,” Crawford said. “Director Scott Bennett and the professional staff at the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department have been very helpful in assisting us in finding a way to move forward with the I-555 designation while saving scarce taxpayer dollars. This would be a huge win-win for all of Northeast Arkansas and I am committed to making the best case possible for this with the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.”

Farmer said the opportunity to get the interstate completed will benefit the entire region.

“I appreciate Congressman Crawford’s interest in ensuring highway dollars are spent wisely while also making certain that an important economic development tool – Interstate 555 – for Northeast Arkansas is realized as quickly as possible,” Farmer said. “I look forward to collaborating closely with Congressman Crawford as we work to address transportation needs in the First District.”

Crawford serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over the highway reauthorization bill.

There is a May 31 deadline for Congress to pass either a full reauthorization or an extension to the highway bill.

Crawford said he plans to have the exemption language included in the reauthorization bill “as soon as is practical.”