Notice to Media

Opening Set for New Highway in Northwest Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK (12-30) – The construction of a new highway from Interstate 40 at Alma to Fayetteville is nearing completion and will be opened to traffic Friday, January 8, 1999, according to Dan Flowers, Director of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD).

Construction on what is the state’s newest Interstate highway began in 1987. Traffic will begin using new Interstate 540 following a dedication ceremony scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 8.

"From an engineering standpoint, the 42-mile road between Alma and Fayetteville has been one of the most challenging projects ever undertaken by the Department," Flowers said. "For example, bridges at five locations along the route are among the highest in the state." He noted that a total of 24 construction contracts totaling approximately $426 million were awarded to complete the highway.

The much-anticipated new roadway across the Ozark Mountains will provide for safer and more convenient travel. The new highway also features the first highway tunnel in Arkansas, a $37.1 million project to carry the highway through a mountain just southwest of Winslow. The tunnel was named by the Highway Commission as the Bobby Hopper Tunnel in honor of Hopper’s distinguished and unique service on the Commission.

"I’ve served on the Highway Commission for 16 years now, and opening this highway is the highlight of my service," said Bobby Hopper, Highway Commission member and former Chairman. "I’m so pleased it’s opening on schedule."

Planning was originally initiated in the 1960’s. However, work actually began in 1987 with the construction of the I-40 interchange at Alma. The first useable segment, a 9-mile stretch from Alma to Mountainburg, opened in August of 1995.

"Progress on this route has been steady since we began the construction phase," noted Highway Commission Chairman Herby Branscum, Jr. "From many perspectives, this new Interstate highway is a tremendous asset to the transportation system of our state and the region."

The dedication ceremony is open to the public and will be held at the south end of the Bobby Hopper Tunnel at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 8.

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For Further Information Contact:

Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department
10324 Interstate 30, Little Rock, AR 72209
Tel: 501-569-2000
FAX: 501-569-2400
e-mail: info@arkansashighways.com