On Thursday, the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) awarded Manhattan Road & Bridge $285.5 million for the first of four projects to construct the new portion of Interstate 49.
The first phase of the extension project will construct a 3.1-mile stretch of I-49 between Arkansas Highway 22 and Gun Club Road.
The project will include a new bridge across the Arkansas River, new interchanges constructed at Highway 22, Gun Club Road, Clear Creek Road and Interstate 40. Gun Club Road will be improved between future I-49 and Arkansas Highway 59.
When complete, the project will span approximately 14 miles.
“I-49 is a critical corridor of our nation’s transportation system,” said U.S. Senator John Boozman. “I have long championed investments for this project because it supports economic activity and growth in Arkansas and will help move people and goods more efficiently across the region and country.”
The I-49 Extension will help close the 162-mile gap of the I-49 transcontinental corridor, linking the Gulf Coast with the United States and Canada.
The project is estimated to cost $1.3 billion. It is being funded by a combination of federal aid highway funding, federals grant funding, Congressionally Designated Spending and state funds.
"The Fort Smith area is projected to grow more than 40% in the next 25 years," ARDOT Spokesperson Dave Park said. "And I know 25 years may seem way down the road but in the construction world it's not that far out."
The first phase is expected to begin next spring.
Source: ARDOT, 40/29 TV
