GRAVETTE -- A second segment of the Bella Vista (Hiwasse) interstate bypass opened for traffic several days ago when barricades were removed from the interchange on Highway 72 just east of the Mt. Pleasant Church.
Entrance to the two and one-half mile segment of road is accessible on a northbound ramp from Highway 72 just east of the interstate overpass. Southbound traffic on the interstate began more than a year ago. Traffic on both segments is two-lane only. The four-lane highway will not be completed until funds become available.
Engineering has been completed by Arkansas to extend the highway to the Missouri border where that state's segment of the interstate has yet to be completed.
Pavement on the newly opened section ends at an exit ramp which allows motorists to turn either left or right.
Turning right, the pavement intersects with Highlands Blvd. in Bella Vista, the entrance to the interstate for that city. The Donivan Full Gospel Church, a landmark for more than 50 years, sits adjacent the intersection.
Motorists turning left from the exit will travel several blocks to intersect with a north-south paved road. Turning left will take the motorist on Rocky Dell Hollow Road, past the Bella Vista Gun Club, where pavement ends. The road ends at Gravette. Motorists turning right will come to an unpaved road which travels through hilly country for six miles, eventually ending in Sulphur Springs.
Signage on the secondary roads has not been completed.
The bypass, now called Highway 549, when completed will become a part of Interstate 49. That highway will be a major north-south route in the central United States. The project has been in the planning and ongoing construction stage for more than 25 years.
Work is presently underway on a segment from the interchange on Highway 72 east of Highway 72 to extend to a completed section just north of Bentonville. All three exit ramps on Highway 72 are located within the Gravette city limits.
General News on 07/22/2015