Notice to Media

New Interstate to be designated in Arkansas

            LITTLE ROCK (1-10) – Interstate 555 will be the official designation for the section of Highway 63 from I-55 at Lake David to U.S. Highway 49 (Southwest Drive) in Jonesboro upon completion of the highway to Interstate design standards, according to Arkansas Highway Commissioner J.W. "Buddy" Benafield of Hickory Plains.

            The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department requested the designation from the Special Committee on Route Numbering of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials in the fall of 2000. AHTD officials were recently notified that the request has been approved.

            The 26-mile portion of Highway 63 from Payneway to Highway 49 (Southwest Drive) in Jonesboro is already constructed to full Interstate standards with the remaining 18-mile section from Payneway to Lake David scheduled for upgrading in the future.

            Signs designating the highway as “Future I-555” will be in place until the route is completed to Interstate standards.  “Progress is continuing to upgrade the highway to a  fully-controlled access facility,” explained Dan Flowers, Director of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department.  “This designation of the route as ‘Future

I-555’ is an important step in establishing Interstate status to the corridor,” Flowers added.

“The Interstate will connect the Jonesboro area and its related economic activity with I-55 and to I-40 in the West Memphis area,” Benafield said.

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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