ARDOT seeks design feedback on I-49 interchange project in Springdale

BusinessNorthwest Arkansas

by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) ago 49 views 

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) will host a public meeting to discuss design modifications for the proposed improvements to about 1 mile of U.S. Highway 412 at the Interstate 49 interchange in Springdale.

According to a 2026 ARDOT report, construction is expected to cost between $10 million and $15 million.

The project would widen the existing five-lane Highway 412 to six lanes with a raised median west of I-49 and to five lanes with a center turn lane east of I-49. Other improvements include extending the I-49 southbound offramp, adding lanes to the northbound and southbound entrance ramps and to the southbound exit ramp, and new traffic signals. There will also be improvements to the intersections of Highway 412 with South Gene George Boulevard, South 48th Street and 48th Place.

The meeting will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday (July 30) at New Hope Fellowship at 850 S. 56th St. in Springdale. The meeting will be in an open-house format, so people can drop in at any time.

ARDOT will receive feedback on the design until 4:30 p.m. Aug. 14. Link here for online meeting materials, including a presentation and comment form.

According to ARDOT, the purpose of the project is to improve traffic flow and enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians. After the previous public meeting on the proposed improvements in November 2024, the design was modified based on comments received after that meeting.

Following are the modifications.
• The project limits have been extended about 400 feet to the west.
• Intersection improvements at Highway 412 and South Gene George Boulevard, South 48th Street, I-49 northbound and 48th Place.
• Raised median on Highway 412 was extended from west of South Gene George Boulevard to South 48th Street west of I-49.
• Shared-use path was extended from South Gene George Boulevard to the end of the project.
• Drainage improvements were made throughout the corridor to support the design modifications and accommodate new development.

According to the most recent ARDOT data, traffic volumes on Highway 412 west of the I-49 interchange were 43,000 vehicles per day on average in 2025. The volumes east of I-49 were 35,000 vehicles per day on average in 2025.

According to the online presentation, the next step for the project is environmental clearance, expected in late 2026. Afterward, right-of-way acquisition would start. After this and utility relocation are completed, the project is expected to be ready for construction in 2029.