Alignment Plans Finalized for U. S. Hwy. 412 Bypass

Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department unveiled June 4 the proposed final alignment for the U. S. Hwy. 412 northern bypass around Springdale. This project has been talked about since 1996 and may now be one step closer to reality. The bypass would begin west of Tontitown and end east of Sonora (west of the White River bridge). An entrance/exit at U.S. 71B would be the only other access.

While the alignment seems closer to finalization, the subject of financing is far from solved. Current estimates are $415 million to build the bypass – and that doesn’t include an estimated $80 million to purchase land for right of way.

In summer of 2007, estimates were $310 million for construction and $60 million for right-of-way acquisitions. The increase costs are due to inflation, increased constructions costs the fact that some of the land has been developed recently.

The Highway Department has a total of $27 million available to begin purchasing right of way and expects to start that phase before the end of this year.

Who knows when and where the rest of the money will come from. Requests to the state legislature have fallen on deaf ears.

Anyone driving the section of U. S. Hwy 412 (Sunset Avenue) in Springdale is cognizant of the fact that a bypass is sorely needed. Tractor-trailer rigs are bumper to bumper alongside cars trying to access the many businesses lining the road. There are all kinds of businesses lining the road; motels and restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, pizzerias, second-hand stores, car lots, shoe stores, ice cream parlors, movie rental stores, and lots and lots of traffic lights. Delays and frustration are the norm.

The need for the bypass exists – the money doesn’t.

For more information:

http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2008/06/04/news/060408fy412bypass.txt

http://www.nwarktimes.com/adg/News/227680/

Good News/Bad News for the Springdale Northern Bypass

The U.S. 412 bypass of Springdale has received a record of decision from the Federal Highway Administration. Now all that needs to be done is to figure out how to pay for it! The estimated cost currently stands at some $300 million with only $31 million in combined federal and state funds earmarked for the 20-mile highway.

Ten years have passed since a study of alternatives for the bypass began in 1996 and it will be many more years before it is even partially constructed. With the escalating price of land in the area it seems obvious that costs will only go one way – up. “This project has to have federal money,” said John McLarty, transportation planner for the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission. “It’s just too big.”

Highway 412 is a major east-west route through Springdale for traffic coming to and from Tulsa area as well as off Interstate 540. No one argues the need for the bypass, which is expected to channel much of the truck traffic around the city. However, it appears the bypass will have to be built in segments, as funding becomes available. It may take until the year 2030 before the road nears completion.

As I mentioned in my posting March 6, “A Western By-Pass? Great Idea!” (scroll down to read the article) other roads are being planned to alleviate gridlock in Northwest Arkansas, but the 412 bypass is scheduled to come first. We must find a way to get moving on all these projects, the sooner the better.

For more information:http://www.nwanews.com/adg/News/147680/