The Arkansas Department of Transportation is spending another $100 million to help alleviate some traffic headaches in northwest Arkansas.
Manhattan Road & Bridge of Tulsa and APAC-Central of Fayetteville are partnering on a project to remake the Interstate 49 interchange at MLK Jr. Boulevard, also known as Highway 62. The interchange, numerically Exit 62, is a vital and often-congested connection because of its proximity to the University of Arkansas, located a little more than 1 mile to the east.
The interchange work is underway and is not expected to be completed until mid-2028. The design is elaborate but simple, officials said, because ARDOT said the interchange handles as many as 45,000 vehicles daily.
“It’s going to enhance safety, improve mobility for that interchange that is one of the busiest in our state,” ARDOT Director Jared Wiley said. “We’re building a new bridge over the interstate there at 15th Street that’s going to provide some better connectivity for folks who are wanting to go south. It’s really going to be a fantastic project when it’s done.”
The new interchange will eliminate a sharp turn and stop at a frontage road for exiting northbound traffic. The on- and off-ramps will be at 15th Street, farther south of their current locations, and lead directly into roundabouts.
Fifteenth Street will be extended over I-49, with the roundabouts anchoring each end. The frontage roads along each side of the interstate will be converted to one-way roads, with dedicated “Texas U-turn” lanes to allow motorists to go from one frontage road to the other without having to get back on I-49.
“The new interchange at Highway 62 and I-49 will improve traffic flow by increasing capacity, simplifying turning movements and reducing congestion throughout the interchange area,” said Colton Cowles, ARDOT’s alternative project delivery manager. “The project includes construction of a frontage road diamond interchange, which improves efficiency by reducing conflict points, streamlining turning movements and allowing for better signal coordination.”
ARDOT hopes the new exit complements Exit 64, which was a nightmare for motorists before a makeover that was recently completed. Traffic numbers north of Exit 64 can reach as many as 100,000 vehicles daily.
“Together, these projects create a continuous corridor of enhanced capacity and improved traffic flow along this critical section of interstate,” Cowles said. “By addressing both interchange operations and freeway capacity, the work at Highway 62 helps complete a series of improvements that support smoother, safer travel throughout this region of northwest Arkansas.”
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