HIWASSE - After some 20 years of planning, surveying and hoping, a groundbreaking Friday afternoon saw the official start of a segment of what one day will become part of Interstate 49, but locally called the “Bella Vista Bypass.”
The ceremony, held undera large tent on a 100-degree July day, was attended by area dignitaries, Arkansas Highway Department personnel and state officials, including Governor MikeBeebe, who joined U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
A crowd of about 100 gathered just west of Highway 72, near the Hiwasse arena site, to hear accolades for all who worked to make the bypass a reality. The site is where an interchange will be located. The three-mile segment of road will veer northwesterly, bypassing Hiwasse to an exit on Highway 72 just east of Mt. Pleasant Church.
Although this first segment of the proposed four-lane highway from near Bentonville to the Missouri line will be a two-lane road, it is designed to convertto Interstate specifications at a later date.
The complete 18.9 mile segment, which includes about four miles in Missouri, is waiting on funds for completion. The Arkansas portion of the project is expected to cost $268 million.
During the ceremony, east across Highway 72, constructionvehicles labored in the red clay, making it difficult to hear remarks by speakers. Actual work on what is referred to as “the Hiwasse Bypass” began several weeks ago.
District Highway Commissioner Dick Trammell emceed the program. He introduced numerous state, area and local officials. Among the speakers was Dan Flowers, director of the Arkansas Highway Department, who reminded the attendees they were “sitting in the midst of what (one day) will be Interstate 49.”
Governor Mike Beebe and U.S. Senator Mark Pryor both added comments of praise for all who have worked to see the beginning of the project.
Beebe particularly thanked Secretary LaHood, “without whose support (for a $10 million stimulus grant) the project couldn’t have begun.”
“It takes everybody working together,” said Senator Pryor. “This is the way to get things done.”
Pryor introduced the Transportation Secretary, who spoke about 10 minutes.
“This is a ‘Vision’ center,” La-Hood said. “The story of this project will be told throughout the nation.”More Money? Maybe
The secretary didn’t promise but indicated Arkansas may receive more federal funds inthe future. He challenged all to continue “to work together, by setting aside personal agendas, for the common good.”
Rodney Slater, who served as U.S. Secretary of Transportation under President Clinton, was alsopresent. The Marianna native did not speak but acknowledged the recognition.
Among those present were State Senator Kim Hendren and State Representative Mary Lou Slinkard, both of Gravette. Many northwest Arkansas area and city officials were in attendance, among them former Highway Commissioners BobbyHopper and Jonathan Barnett.
Trammell, in his opening remarks, noted, “This is the beginning but you can’t finish something you don’t begin.” As the hour-long ceremony ended, Trammell was heard to add, “This is just like Christmas in July.”
The three-plus mile new road segment is expected to be completed in 2014.
News, Pages 1 on 07/13/2011