ARDOT wants feedback on final segment of Springdale Northern Bypass

BusinessNorthwest Arkansas

by Jeff Della Rosa ([email protected]) ago 99 views 

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) is seeking feedback on the proposed design for the fourth and final segment of the Springdale Northern Bypass (Arkansas Highway 612) from Arkansas Highway 265 to U.S. Highway 412 east of Springdale.

The nearly $1 billion bypass will be over 21 miles long when completed and is being built in four phases. It comprises a four-lane, interstate-style highway running from Highway 412 in west Tontitown, wrapping around the north side of Springdale, and reconnecting to Highway 412 east of Springdale and the Sonora community.

The fourth phase of the project is planned to be 6.63 miles and was projected to cost $326.22 million, according to federal documents.

ARDOT will host a meeting to discuss its proposed design from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 22) at Revival Tabernacle Church at 2608 E. Emma Ave. in Springdale. Comments on the project will be accepted through 4:30 p.m. Feb. 6.

According to the ARDOT project presentation, the fourth phase of the project is expected to complete environmental review this year. After environmental review, the right-of-way acquisition process will begin. This process is expected to be completed by mid-2027. Utility relocation will follow the process.

“Construction of the project will then be scheduled as funding and priorities warrant,” ARDOT noted.

Link here for the project website, which includes the presentation and a comment form.

In July, ARDOT was awarded a $24.46 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to pay for this phase.

According to the project presentation, the third phase between Interstate 49 and Arkansas Highway 265 is expected to be ready for construction by the end of this year and is advancing through the right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation phases. It will be 3 miles and is expected to cost between $200 million and $250 million.

Work is underway on the second phase of the bypass, scheduled for completion in early 2027. The nearly 7-mile project will extend Highway 612 from Highway 112 to Highway 412 in Tontitown. Columbia, Mo.-based Emery Sapp & Sons Inc. was awarded the $180.78 million contract.

The first phase of the bypass runs from I-49 near Lowell to Arkansas Highway 112 north of Elm Springs. It opened to traffic in April 2018. Eutaw Construction Co. of Aberdeen, Miss., was the contractor.