SEBASTIAN COUNTY (KFSM) - Leaders from around the Natural State, including Governor Asa Hutchinson were in the River Valley Tuesday (July 14) as the new stretch of what will soon be Interstate 49 is dedicated.
The cones are gone and the ribbon has been cut at Chaffee Crossing. Drivers are allowed to drive along what is for now being called Highway 549.
City leaders gathered earlier this morning to dedicate the new roadway.
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, Highway Commissioner Dick Trammel, and many other city leaders all spoke during the ceremony expressing how excited they are on this milestone.
Someday, the six and a half mile stretch of road will connect to a larger interstate system spanning 1,700 from LaFayette, Louisana, all the way north to Winnepeg, Canada.
This is after the project plans started in the late 90's when the federal government transferred 45 acres at no cost to the highway department to help build the six miles at Chaffee Crossing.
Fast forward to 2006, when construction started on the $130 million project connecting Highway 22 to Highway 71.
Construction is now complete on the four lane highway making the commute for drivers that much quicker.
Highway Commissioner, Dick Trammel with the Arkansas Highway Department said this project will be a way for them to get around Fort Smith instead of driving into the city. Not only is it going to bring more traffic to the area, but more development and jobs as well. "It's a landmark event area for the Fort Smith area because hopefully when we have this one finished, we can start antoher leg of Interstate 49," said Trammel.
The dedication ceremony for the highway gets underway at 10:00 at the new roadway, which is located near the intersection of Highways 22 and 59.