HIGHFILL -- Regional airport officials want a dedicated, limited access road from the new U.S. 412 Northern Bypass to the airport, but they're having to look at other options anyway.
Federal wildlife officials and the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department have to approve the new road, which airport officials want to build with airport money.
Current models for the access road, estimated to cost $55 million, assume two lanes initially from the airport to the U.S. 412 Northern Bypass.
The Highway Department's long-range plan includes widening and improvements to Arkansas 112, north of the 412 Northern Bypass, and to Arkansas 264, west of Cave Springs. Highway officials said all reasonable alternatives must be included in the airport's plans regardless of who pays for the work.
Airport officials said they can't legally spend the money they've identified for an access road on state highway improvements.
There's also a question on whether the traffic would justify a four-lane access road or whether the airport should consider buying land for a two-lane road.
"It could never be controlled access," Scott VanLaningham, executive director of the airport, said of using the state highways. "It could be two lanes, but it needs to be controlled access and a long driveway to the airport."
Ryk Dunkelberg, a consultant on the project, said using the state highways would be a problem because of the number of curb cuts along the route and the curvy nature of the roads. Dunkelberg is also concerned the airport will have to spend money on environmental studies.
"Our response to that is we think it's a silly alternative," Dunkelberg said. "We can't spend airport money on those improvements. It's not a viable option for us."
Mike Johnson, board chairman, said the issue of traffic demand justifying the right of way purchase is a new one. Johnson said he'd like to know exactly how much land would have to be bought so board members can decide whether it's fiscally responsible to buy enough right of way for four lanes.
"Even if we don't use it, it's a prudent investment," Johnson said. "Somebody, someday is going to need it."
A preliminary Arkansas 112 corridor study envisions a bypass around the west side of Cave Springs. The proposed option would include a new road from there to the airport or improvement to Arkansas 264. Turning Arkansas 112 into a north-south corridor such as Arkansas 265 could be a decade or more away, according to highway officials.
Airport officials have been wanting an access road to the airport for more than a decade. The latest timeline from consultants would have the new road open in early 2020.
Board Action
Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport's board met last Wednesday and approved:
• Shelley Simmons replacing the late M.L. "Moose" Van Poucke on the airport board representing Siloam Springs.
• A $448,365 contract to Milestone Construction for repair to the car maintenance facility used by car rental companies.
• A $322,000 contract to Milestone Construction for renovation and furnishings at the airport administrative offices.
• A two-year contract extension with Republic Parking for operating the airport parking lot.
Source: Staff report
General News on 10/12/2016