ARDOT to Receive $105.5M in Federal Transportation Funding

A rendering of the planned bridge over the Arkansas River that will be built as part of the I-49 extension project (Image provided by ARDOT)

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) is set to receive $105,534,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending and Community Project Funding for six projects.

Members of Arkansas’ Congressional Delegation, including U.S. Sen. John Boozman along with U.S. Reps. Steve Womack, Bruce Westerman and Rick Crawford, secured the funding in the latest Transportation Housing & Urban Development appropriation for Federal Fiscal Year 2026.

The funding is stipulated for the following projects:

• $59 million for the next phase of the Springdale Northern Bypass — requested by Womack
• $15.8 million for the next phase of Future Interstate 49 from Alma to Barling — requested by Boozman
• Another $3 million for the next phase of Future Interstate 49 from Alma to Barling — requested by Womack
• $11 million for Highway 412 corridor improvements — requested by Boozman and Crawford
• $7 million for the Highway 82 railroad overpass– requested by Boozman and Westerman
• $6.734 million for the next phase of Future Interstate 57 from Walnut Ridge to the Missouri State Line — requested by Crawford
• $3 million for the next phase of the Highway 112 widening — requested by Boozman and Womack

“Modernizing and expanding key transportation corridors bolsters our economy and enhances safety,” Boozman said in a press release from ARDOT. “I-49 is a critical project to promote regional connectivity and commerce,” and other projects will “support better access for the community and industry.”

Womack said in the release that these improvements will help address current congestion challenges in northwest Arkansas.

“We are grateful to Arkansas’ Congressional Delegation for their advocacy and support for ARDOT and our state’s infrastructure,” ARDOT Director Jared Wiley said in the release. “Investing in our major highways and interstates ensures better connectivity and safety across our state and opens the door to more growth and economic development.”

UAMS and the Arkansas State University System also both received millions in congressional funding.