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New $100 Million Bypass To Impact Local Businesses

SPRINGDALE (KFSM) – The U.S. 412 Bypass is expected to make travel easier for drivers in Northwest Arkansas, but some business owners are worried their sa...

SPRINGDALE (KFSM) - The U.S. 412 Bypass is expected to make travel easier for drivers in Northwest Arkansas, but some business owners are worried their sales may take a hit once the bypass is complete.

Gary Boatman is the owner of Rolling Dogs Grill in Cave Springs. He said his location near the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport helps with business.

"We do hot dogs, sausage dogs, brat dogs, bacon dogs, burger and fries and Frito pies," he said. "I would say about 40 percent of sales comes from travelers and most of the other part is local people."

The construction on the first section of the bypass is scheduled to start this year. It's 4.5 miles long and stretches from Interstate 49 to Arkansas 112. Eventually, the bypass will create quicker way for some drivers to get to the airport.

Boatman said while the bypass may take away some traffic from his food truck, he will move his business if he has to.

"It definitely will have an impact for sure," he said. "That's why this is mobile, I can always pick up and go."

The first section of the bypass is expected to be complete in mid-2019. Officials with the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department said they are still waiting to get funding for the second section that will take drivers to XNA.

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