The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) has designated a bypass alignment for the proposed Highway 64 improvements in Vilonia. 

Alternative Alignment 2 has been designated as the preferred alternative and will be presented to the Federal Highway Administration for final approval this spring. 

Alternative 2 was designated because it avoids the historic structures on existing Highway 64, reduces traffic congestion and improves safety, especially as related to the two school campuses adjacent to Highway 64.  It also has the lowest number of residential proximity impacts and the highest public support of the proposed bypass alternatives.

Although widening of existing Highway 64 had substantial public support, regulations related to the protection of existing historic structures warranted the development of a feasible alternative to avoid these impacts.  Alternative 2 addresses this requirement and also addresses safety and traffic concerns associated with the local school district.

In response to comments received at a public hearing on the project, slight adjustments were made to the eastern and western ends of Alternative 2 to reduce residential relocations.

The next step in the project development process is the submittal of public hearing comments and a request for alignment approval from the Federal Highway Administration.  The submittal for this request is anticipated for this spring.  Approval by the Federal Highway Administration is necessary before final design and right-of-way acquisition can begin.  The next step in the process will be to retain the services of a design consultant.