The Scenic Bypass opened to traffic September 18

GARLAND COUNTY | October 6, 2023

Members of the Arkansas Highway Commission, Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) leadership, and local dignitaries will meet at 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 24 at Crossgate Church, 3100 East Grand Avenue, in Hot Springs to celebrate the newly constructed extension of the Hot Springs Bypass which opened to traffic on September 18.

This portion of the Hot Springs Bypass consists of 5.8 miles of new location in Garland County, connecting Highway 70 East to Highway 7 North. The new portion of the bypass is signed as Highway 5. It will reduce delays and improve safety by removing through traffic from Highway 7.   

The Arkansas State Legislature designated the bypass as a scenic highway due to its beautiful, steep, tree-lined views through the Ouachita Mountains.   

“This new bypass will significantly reduce the travel time to and from Hot Springs Village, Fountain Lake, and other areas north of Hot Springs,” said ARDOT Director Lorie Tudor. “There are a number of challenges when it comes to constructing new location roads, especially in the middle of the Ouachita Mountains; we were able to overcome those challenges and complete this important arterial connection for the growing population of Garland County.”    

The project was awarded to McGeorge Contracting Co., Inc. for $75.2 million. Garland County contributed $30 million toward the project cost as part of a partnering agreement with ARDOT. Work began in December 2019.    

The public is invited to join ARDOT, state, and local leadership in commemorating the completion of this project.    

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