The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department said it could be years before the Intestate 49 project is completed through the River Valley.
As construction continues, the department is seeking funds to complete a bridge over the Arkansas River and to connect I-49 to Interstate 40.
“I know there are several leaders here in Fort Smith pushing for funding to be identified,” said Chad Adams, district engineer for the state highway department.
Adams said six jobs have been added to complete construction of the section of I-49 between U.S. 71 and Arkansas 22. That section should be opened by mid-2014, he said.
Adams said project cost estimates for Arkansas’ portion of I-49 come in at about $96 million.
Adams said once the project is completed, motorists will see big improvements.