WASHINGTON AND BENTON COUNTIES | August 31, 2026
The public is invited to join the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) and members of the Arkansas Highway Commission, elected officials, community stakeholders, and project partners at 9 a.m. Friday, September 4, for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating completion of two significant transportation projects in Northwest Arkansas – Phase Two of the Springdale Bypass (Interstate 42/Highway 642) and the Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) Connector Road (Highway 642).
Phase Two of the Springdale Bypass, awarded to Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. for $180.8 million, includes a new location, seven-mile, four-lane divided interstate corridor designed to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and enhance freight movement throughout one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions. The Bypass extends from Highway 412 north to Highway 112 and includes a tie-in to the newly completed XNA Connector Road. With two of the four phases and 12 of the 21 total miles complete, the entirety of the Springdale Bypass is now more than half-way finished.
The XNA Connector Road, awarded to Crossland Construction Company, Inc. for $127.7 million, is a four-mile, four-lane corridor that provides a direct link between the Springdale Bypass and XNA. The project features 11 bridges, an interchange at the project’s south end, and a tie-in to Highway 264 at the project’s north end.
Together, these projects represent years of planning and coordination involving ARDOT, local governments, contractors, consultants, and community stakeholders.
“As a Northwest Arkansas native and Chairman of the Arkansas Highway Commission, these projects mean so much to me both personally and professionally,” Arkansas Highway Commission Chairman Philip Taldo said. “The growing region of Northwest Arkansas will benefit greatly from the increased mobility and improved airport access that comes as a result of these two projects.”
“It is rare for two projects of this size, scope, and impact to literally come together at the same time”, said ARDOT Director Jared D. Wiley. “ARDOT and the Arkansas Highway Commission are committed to delivering highway projects that better connect us all. The voters of Arkansas put their trust in us when the half-cent sales tax was made permanent in 2020. That revenue source and additional support from area leaders including Highway Commission Chairman Philip Taldo, Senator John Boozman, and Congressman Steve Womack helped push these projects over the finish line.”
Following the ribbon cutting, the Springdale Bypass and XNA Connector Road will be officially opened to the public that same day.
The post REMINDER: ARDOT to Cut a Ribbon on Springdale Bypass Phase Two and XNA Connector Road appeared first on Arkansas Department of Transportation.