April 03, 2020 - 2:54 PM
BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Missouri highway officials approved a plan to complete the remaining five miles of the Bella Vista Bypass, also known as the Interstate 49 Missouri/Arkansas Connector.
Bella Vista is the only stretch where traffic has to leave I-49 and continue on U.S. 71 to travel north or south.
The goal is for Arkansas and Missouri to each build their parts and meet at the state line, according to the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. The 19-mile (30.58-kilometre) connector will allow motorists to circumvent Bella Vista to the west and south on a four-lane interstate, reduce travel times and improve safety, planners have said.
The project, awarded to Emery Sapp & Sons of Columbia, Mo., for $58.7 million, is being described as one of the region's most important, and is considered a priority by Northwest Arkansas and federal transportation officials.
Construction is expected to begin in late April or early May with completion by Sept. 30, 2021.
News from © The Associated Press, 2020