Notice to Media

Interstate Designated in Arkansas

            LITTLE ROCK (5-16) – Interstate 540 in northwest Arkansas is being extended approximately 19 miles from Fayetteville to Rogers, according to Dan Flowers, Director of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD).

            The I-540 designation currently ends in northern Fayetteville at the Highway 71B interchange. The route is now being extended along existing Highway 71 from Fayetteville north to the Highway 62 interchange in Rogers.

            The AHTD requested the extension earlier this year from the Special Committee on Route Numbering of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. AHTD officials were recently notified that the request has been approved.

            "That section of Highway 71 was built to Interstate standards because we believed it would be a logical addition to the Interstate system,” Flowers said. “We’re pleased that the Route Numbering Committee has approved our request.”

            Highway Commissioner Jonathan Barnett of Siloam Springs also expressed his satisfaction for the new designation. “The ultimate goal is to upgrade the entire Highway 71 corridor in western Arkansas to an Interstate,” Barnett said. “This extension might seem like a small addition in terms of miles, but it brings Benton County its first Interstate highway. For the sake of route continuity and achieving our overall goal, this is another positive step forward.”

            Crews from the AHTD will begin erecting the new route signs today (May 16), Flowers noted.

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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