‘Complicated’ utility relocations delay Springdale bypass project

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has changed the estimated completion date to August 2027 for phase two of the Springdale Northern Bypass between U.S. Highway 412 and Arkansas Highway 112.

The previous estimate to complete the nearly 7-mile Highway 612 segment was July 2026. Columbia, Mo.-based contractor Emery Sapp & Sons Inc. was selected to complete the $180.78 million project. Construction started in spring 2024.

Dave Parker, communications division head for ARDOT, said complicated utility relocations contributed to the need to change the date. The utility relocations were completed by Springdale Water Utilities, Black Hills Energy, and Ozarks Electric Cooperative Corp.

“All three had complicated things they needed to address, and it delayed the project,” Parker said. “But I’m trying not to put blame on the utilities. It’s not really their fault. Things happen when it comes to having to move utilities and communicate with us … water lines, electrical lines and such.”

Now that the relocations are completed, construction can continue in the areas where the utilities were relocated. While they were being relocated, Parker said the contractor worked on other project areas. He said ARDOT is satisfied with the contractor’s work.

Still, Parker expects the project will be completed sooner, but the August 2027 completion date provides time for weather-related delays.

The project will extend Highway 612 from Highway 112 to Highway 412 in Tontitown. The interstate-style, four-lane freeway will include 16 bridges and three interchanges. This phase, the second of four, has one more bridge and interchange than the first, which runs from Interstate 49 to Highway 112.