Notice to Media

Highway Commission Selects Consultant for Portion of I-69

LITTLE ROCK (7-13)—The Arkansas Highway Commission announced the selection of Michael Baker Associates, Inc., of Jackson, Mississippi to conduct location and environmental studies for a segment of the proposed Interstate 69 in south Arkansas, according to Arkansas Highway Commission Chairman John “M” Lipton of Warren.

The section of highway to be studied begins at Highway 65 near McGehee and continues southwest to Highway 167 in the vicinity of El Dorado. Total length of the study corridor is approximately 110 miles.

The consultant will be responsible for developing location alternatives and determining the costs of the identified options. This will include location studies, conceptual designs, and preparation of the environmental documentation needed to secure an approved location from the Federal Highway Administration. The study is expected to take about 2-3 years.

“There are three segments of I-69 in Arkansas,” Lipton explained. “This particular section is located entirely within the state, while the other two segments include parts of Mississippi and Louisiana. Environmental and location studies are currently underway from Highway 1 in Mississippi to Highway 65 near McGehee. Also, we are working with the State of Louisiana regarding a study from El Dorado to Shreveport.”

I-69 is a planned Interstate highway extending south from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Memphis, Tennessee; Shreveport, Louisiana; Houston, Texas and continuing on to the U.S. – Mexican border. It will enter Arkansas near Arkansas City and exit the state south of the El Dorado/Magnolia area. Total project cost for the Arkansas portion of I-69 is expected to be over $1 billion.

“It goes without saying, I-69 is very important to the future development and economic prosperity of southern Arkansas,” stated Lipton. “The selection of a consultant is another positive step in the process,” added Lipton.

####