ArDOT to show exhibits Dec. 5 for proposed road to XNA

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT) will host a public meeting in December to discuss a proposed road between Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) in Highfill and Arkansas Highway 612, or the U.S. Highway 412 bypass.

A public involvement meeting is expected to take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at Trinity Grace Church at 5845 S. Bellview Road in Rogers. The public can visit anytime during the scheduled hours to view exhibits, ask questions and provide comments. The open house meeting will not include a formal presentation.

Aaron Burkes, CEO and executive director for XNA, previously said airport officials changed the approach on an access road to the airport. XNA partnered with ArDOT to allow the transportation department to take the lead on the design work.

XNA board members on Aug. 21 agreed to allow ArDOT to design the road. The plan for the road is to connect Highway 612 to state Highway 264. Also in the meeting Aug. 21, Burkes noted the road would be referred to as a connector, instead of an access road, because a connector allows for more potential funding.