HIGHFILL, Ark. — Getting to and from Northwest Arkansas National Airport can sometimes be a challenge with just a two-lane highway leading up to it, but relief is coming. That’s why building an access road from I-49 to XNA is something the airport board has planned for more than two decades and now it’s getting closer to becoming a reality.
“This access road will connect Highway 612 or the Springdale northern bypass to the entrance of the airport,” said Olivia Moore.
Olivia Moore is the airport’s public affairs manager. She says the airport board recently donated 55 acres to the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) which is building the access road.
“We wanted to go ahead and donate that, so we can get started on this project and make it as smooth and efficient for everyone in the region to get this connected road,” said Moore.
ARDOT is still currently in the land acquisition phase of the project, but they are hoping to start construction by early 2024. The access road will be a 3.4-mile, 4-lane road with a divider up until about nine-tenths of the way to the airport. Moore says the speed limit will be about 70 miles per hour. She says getting this project started means a lot.
“We're really excited. We're hoping to streamline traffic toward the airport. So everyone can fly locally, making it more easy and efficient,” she said.
Construction on the access road is expected to be completed by early 2027. Construction and right-of-way acquisition is estimated to cost between $90 and $100 million dollars. This is being funded by the Renew Arkansas Highways Program that voters approved through the extension of the half-cent sales tax.
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