Springdale seeks more input on extending Don Tyson Parkway

Two large highway projects in Northwest Arkansas are in various stages of design before construction starts.

The public will have another opportunity to comment on the proposed $7.2 million extension to Don Tyson Parkway, between Gene George Boulevard and Arkansas Highway 112, in west Springdale. The city of Springdale will host a second public input session from 4-7 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Sam’s Club Community Room at Arvest Ballpark at 3000 Gene George Boulevard.

“We have three new proposed routes as a result of the resident feedback we received at the meeting in July,” said Melissa Reeves, director of public relations for the city. “Each new route deviates from the original route.”

The original route was about .79 miles, but that might change depending which route is selected. The extension will be a four-lane boulevard, like the existing parkway.

“Don Tyson Parkway is becoming a major east/west corridor in Springdale,” Reeves said. “As Gene George Boulevard continues to develop, Don Tyson Parkway will see an increase in usage. It will help move traffic from Highway 112, which will be widened in the future, to I-49 when the state highway department completes its work.”

On Jan. 10, Springdale City Council hired Springdale-based engineering firm ESI to design the project. Design work is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2018. A timeline for construction has yet to be set.

In Rogers, design work continues on the single-point urban interchange (SPUI) for exit 85 along I-49.

The $23 million project is expected to go to bid in late 2018, and work should start in the first quarter of 2019, said Danny Straessle, public information officer for the Arkansas Department of Transportation. The following are the percentages of completion regarding the project:

• Design, 90%
• Right of way acquisition, 25%
• Utility relocation, 15%