BENTON COUNTY (07-28) – Construction to build the new Highway 549 (Bella Vista Bypass)
interchange with U.S. Highway 71 and Interstate 49 in Bentonville requires lane closures and
traffic shifts, according to Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) officials.
Weather permitting, crews will close various lanes and shift traffic within the work zone Friday
night, July 31 and Monday night, August 3. During this phase of construction, which begins
Tuesday, August 4, drivers should be aware that the roundabout will no longer be in use and to
be prepared for new travel patterns:
- Southbound Highway 71 traffic will now directly connect to Walton Boulevard. Traffic
continuing southbound to I-49 will use left-turn lanes (south of the existing roundabout)
to access the interstate. - Northbound Walton Boulevard traffic will now directly connect to Highway 71. Traffic
will enter Highway 71 on the inside lane prior to the traffic signal at Peach Orchard Road. - Northbound I-49 and Walton Boulevard traffic heading to westbound Highway 549 will
continue northbound on Highway 71 to the traffic signal at Peach Orchard Road and then
detour south to access the bypass.
Crews will use message boards, construction barrels, barriers, and temporary detours during the
traffic shift. Watch for warning signs and safety personnel during the work. The public is advised
to be cautious when traveling in the work zone, and watch for slower traffic speeds.
This project (Job CA0903) is part of ARDOT’s Connecting Arkansas Program and includes
constructing approximately 2.8 miles of roadway with bridge structures on U.S. Highway 549,
including a new Bella Vista Bypass interchange with U.S. Highway 71 in Bentonville. More
information on this $66.6 million project is available at ConnectingArkansasProgram.com.
Drivers should exercise caution when approaching and traveling through all highway work
zones. Additional travel information can be found at IDriveArkansas.com or ARDOT.gov. You can
also follow us on Twitter @myARDOT.
NR 20-213