SPRINGDALE -- Missouri Department of Transportation officials said finishing a missing portion of the Bella Vista Bypass is their top priority -- they just need $32.2 million to do the four-lane section between Pineville, Mo., and the state line.
Tim Conklin with the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission and Dick Trammel, Arkansas Highway Commission chairman, met with Missouri officials Friday in Springfield, Mo., to discuss projects, Conklin said.
"It's the number one priority for MODOT Southwest District," he said.
Missouri has acquired the right of way, done an environmental study, designed the road and has about $18.4 million set aside for the $50.8 million project, Conklin told regional planners Wednesday. It needs $32.3 million more for demolition of structures in the right of way, moving utilities and construction.
Missouri officials, in a summary of the project, note the environmental study may require an update and could take up to a year.
Missouri making progress on its end is important because Arkansas expects to open the two-lane portion of the Bella Vista Bypass between Bentonville and Benton County 34 north of Hiwasse this spring, Trammel said.
"I think you'll enjoy those two lanes when they open in April," he said.
Arkansas has bought right of way between the current end of the road and 2.3 miles away at the state line for $26 million and has the money to do two lanes along that stretch, Trammel said.
"When we passed our half-cent sales tax for highways, we were sure when we got there, they'd get there," Trammel said. "The minute they start their four lanes, we'll start ours."
The last part of the project in Arkansas consists of interchange improvements at I-49 and U.S. 71 in Bentonville, where the Bella Vista Bypass heads west. That work is planned for 2020 and expected to cost $43.1 million.
Completion of the Bella Vista Bypass to interstate standards would fill the last gap on I-49 between Fort Smith and Kansas City, Mo.
Conklin said the second priority for Missouri Transportation Southwest officials is improving intersections on U.S. 71 on the north side of the state line in McDonald County.
General News on 02/01/2017