
The Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission announced it has been awarded a $25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for upgrades to the Arkansas 112 corridor.
The grant supports projects designed to improve safety, reduce travel times and expand transportation options along a 17.5-mile stretch of the highway between Fayetteville and Bentonville.
In a news release, the commission said the grant will help realize a “shared vision” that communities in the region formalized with the adoption of a 2019 resolution. It calls for a “complete streets” approach, prioritizing safety, connected communities and accessibility for all users, with a focus on roadway upgrades and active transportation infrastructure.
Planned improvements include:
- Expansion from two to four travel lanes to improve traffic flow and safety
- Roadway safety enhancements, such as a center median and roundabouts, to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes and enhance roadway reliability and efficiency
- Construction of a separated bicycle and pedestrian path 12 feet wide to improve active transportation options and accessibility
“This grant validates the progress our region is making toward goals for providing active transportation options and improved connectivity, and it further establishes Northwest Arkansas as a leader in pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure planning and implementation,” Tim Conklin, executive director of the commission, said in the release.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation will supplement funding already allocated to Arkansas 112 improvement projects.
Construction for some segments may begin as early as this year.