GRAVETTE -- By the time you read this, the first segment of the long-planned Bella Vista Bypass is expected to be open to traffic. The approximately three-mile segment from the interchange with Arkansas Highway 72 east of Mt. Pleasant to the interchange with Highway 72 east of Hiwasse is expected to be opened this week.
Although not yet the planned four-lane divided highway, the new segment is designed for two-way traffic. It is officially designated Highway 549, and signs at both of the Highway 72 interchanges are so designated.
When the entire route in Benton County and in McDonald County, Mo., is completed, the road will become part of the Interstate Highway System, Interstate 49. Work on the first segment north from Highway 72 is underway, and a segment from Highway 72 east to Bentonville is expected to begin soon.
Because of recent annexations, all three interchanges on the bypass around Bella Vista are scheduled to be located inside the Gravette city limits.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the highway segment just completed was held east of Hiwasse on July 8.
General News on 04/23/2014