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Regional Boards => Mid-South => Topic started by: edwaleni on September 23, 2018, 06:00:48 PM

Title: I-555 - Official End
Post by: edwaleni on September 23, 2018, 06:00:48 PM
Does anyone know where the current "official" west end of I-555 is?

It appears to be at Dan Ave (AR-91) west of Jonesboro, but I can't locate the "Begin" and "End" signs. I don't see reassurance signs around Jonesboro either.

I know it just got the designation some 18 months ago.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: Bobby5280 on September 23, 2018, 06:12:39 PM
The official end of I-555 is actually at the Southwest Drive exit in Jonesboro, where it intersects US-49. It doesn't end where the freeway ends a couple or so miles Northwest.

I'd like to see I-555 extended to Walnut Ridge, if not farther NW.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: edwaleni on September 24, 2018, 01:24:02 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on September 23, 2018, 06:12:39 PM
The official end of I-555 is actually at the Southwest Drive exit in Jonesboro, where it intersects US-49. It doesn't end where the freeway ends a couple or so miles Northwest.

I'd like to see I-555 extended to Walnut Ridge, if not farther NW.

I would surmise that I-555 will get extended to Walnut Ridge when I-57 makes its jaunt south past Pocahontas.

Any improvements in this area are desired because I treat I-555 as an extension of I-22.

It has cut down the time/miles to reach Springfield MO from the southeast.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: The Ghostbuster on September 24, 2018, 04:57:56 PM
I don't see Interstate 555 being extended further up the US 63 corridor any time soon. The amount of development just north of the AR 91 exit may prove to be a barrier to extending the freeway (as Interstate 555, or as just US 63) any further northward.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: Bobby5280 on September 24, 2018, 11:21:34 PM
Any extension of I-555 beyond the Dan Ave/AR-91 exit would have to be built on a new terrain alignment. There's too much development along US-63 to make a freeway upgrade feasible. But a new terrain alignment just West of US-63 is do-able. Chances are a couple or so homes would have to be taken, but nothing like bulldozing all the property along one or both sides of US-63. Plus a new alignment could dovetail into the existing bypass around Bono, just beyond all the development at the South end of that bypass.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: yakra on October 11, 2018, 02:15:01 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on September 23, 2018, 06:12:39 PM
The official end of I-555 is actually at the Southwest Drive exit in Jonesboro, where it intersects US-49. It doesn't end where the freeway ends a couple or so miles Northwest.
The extension to AR91 was approved by AASHTO in spring 2016:
http://sp.route.transportation.org/Documents/2016%20SM%20Des%20Moines%2c%20IA/USRN%20Meeting%20Minutes%20May25%2c2016.pdf
http://sp.route.transportation.org/Documents/2016%20SM%20Des%20Moines%2c%20IA/Interstate_Routes_Binder.pdf
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: froggie on October 11, 2018, 10:34:42 PM
^ Doesn't mean that FHWA accepted it, especially considering there's no letter of concurrence from FHWA in AHTD's application.  The lack of signage beyond US 49 also suggests that FHWA has not approved it yet.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: yakra on October 11, 2018, 10:37:33 PM
Interesting... is it common for AASHTO to approve Interstate applications without FHWA acceptance/concurrence?
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: froggie on October 11, 2018, 10:39:39 PM
No, but it's not unheard of.  Usually in such cases, AASHTO gives conditional approval instead of full approval.  Could also be that there are new committee members...haven't looked at that in detail.

It's possible there's some correspondence with FHWA that hasn't been made public yet.  But the lack of signs up to AR 91 is also an indicator.

Again (for this forum), it should be noted that when it comes to Interstate highways, the only thing AASHTO actually approves is the route number.  FHWA has final say on when a given segment is actually added to the Interstate system.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: edwaleni on October 15, 2018, 11:26:43 AM
I checked the official maps from ArDOT for Craigshead County.

Noted in clear text on the map was "End of I-555" at the intersection with US-49N (Stadium Blvd.)

Google Maps has it ending at AR-91 (Dan Ave.) based on the AASHTO letter.

I am still researching it locally.

I don't want to wonder off into fictional too far, but one response was that I-555 would go west at County-114 and hit the future I-57 via Winesburg.  That it wouldn't go to Walnut Ridge-Hoxie at all, and replace AR-226 as the Jonesboro feeder from the west.  That surprised me somewhat because I assumed they would just extend it up to the NW and over CO-114 (Gainesville Road) and bring it back somewhere near Bono.

Supposedly, this is why I-555 "ends" at US-49, (instead of AR-91) that they don't intend to keep it aligned to US-63 in the future.

It's all speculative for now, but it is interesting that the ArDOT shows it different than everyone else.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: edwaleni on October 15, 2018, 01:48:23 PM
Quote from: edwaleni on October 15, 2018, 11:26:43 AM
I checked the official maps from ArDOT for Craigshead County.

Noted in clear text on the map was "End of I-555" at the intersection with US-49N (Stadium Blvd.)

Google Maps has it ending at AR-91 (Dan Ave.) based on the AASHTO letter.

I am still researching it locally.

I don't want to wonder off into fictional too far, but one response was that I-555 would go west at County-114 and hit the future I-57 via Winesburg.  That it wouldn't go to Walnut Ridge-Hoxie at all, and replace AR-226 as the Jonesboro feeder from the west.  That surprised me somewhat because I assumed they would just extend it up to the NW and over CO-114 (Gainesville Road) and bring it back somewhere near Bono.

Supposedly, this is why I-555 "ends" at US-49, (instead of AR-91) that they don't intend to keep it aligned to US-63 in the future.

It's all speculative for now, but it is interesting that the ArDOT shows it different than everyone else.

Correction: "End of I-555" is at Southwest Highway (US-49S).  Sorry about the error.

https://www.arkansashighways.com/maps/Counties/County%20PDFs/CraigheadCounty.pdf  (https://www.arkansashighways.com/maps/Counties/County%20PDFs/CraigheadCounty.pdf)
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: bugo on October 16, 2018, 06:26:36 AM
I-555 will probably never extend past AR 91. US 63 from AR 91 to Portia is a 4-5 lane undivided "Arkansas Freeway" that will likely be sufficient for the amount of traffic that road gets for a long time. If that part of the state really explodes it is possible but I don't expect to see it extended in my lifetime.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: froggie on October 16, 2018, 08:20:42 AM
^ Agreed.  ARDOT has enough on their plate just with their politicians pushing "I-57", I-69, and I-49.  And by the time any of those get around to meaningful construction, they'll need to rebuild I-30 and I-40 (again).
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: US71 on October 16, 2018, 09:28:15 AM
Quote from: bugo on October 16, 2018, 06:26:36 AM
I-555 will probably never extend past AR 91. US 63 from AR 91 to Portia is a 4-5 lane undivided "Arkansas Freeway" that will likely be sufficient for the amount of traffic that road gets for a long time. If that part of the state really explodes it is possible but I don't expect to see it extended in my lifetime.

Jonesboro is relatively poor compared to Little Rock or NWA.  I don't forsee extending 555 anytime in the foreseeable future.

As to whether it ends at US 49 or AR 91 would likely require a field trip
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: MikieTimT on October 16, 2018, 03:20:09 PM
Quote from: US71 on October 16, 2018, 09:28:15 AM
[Jonesboro is relatively poor compared to Little Rock or NWA.  I don't forsee extending 555 anytime in the foreseeable future.

As to whether it ends at US 49 or AR 91 would likely require a field trip

I get that way a couple of times a year from NWA and like to take that way across to US-412 to change things up on the return leg.  I'll try to remember to check it out and report back.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: bugo on November 22, 2018, 06:14:06 AM
END signs are very rare in Arkansas. I have never seen nor heard of a BEGIN sign in the state.

Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: MikieTimT on January 08, 2019, 12:36:15 PM
I didn't notice any ending signs when I was there a few weeks back.  However, there is a project on ARDOT's website that has an environmental document that states the end of I-555 is US-49.

http://ardot.gov/public_meetings/2019_PM/100657/100657.aspx (http://ardot.gov/public_meetings/2019_PM/100657/100657.aspx)

From the document:

1.2
What are the existing road conditions?
Regional
I-555, also known as the Joe N. Martin Expressway, is the metropolitan area's primary through route and the only fully controlled access facility. It is a north-south route that begins at I-55 in northern Crittenden County and ends at Hwy. 49 in Jonesboro. I-555 is a four-lane facility with a 65mile per hour (mph) speed limit serving as the area's primary connection to  Missouri  and  Tennessee.    In  the  immediate  study  area,  there  are currently interchanges at Hwy. 18S and Nestle Road (Rd.).
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: The Ghostbuster on January 08, 2019, 03:12:53 PM
Just say Interstate 555 ends in Margaritaville, and leave it at that.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: NE2 on January 09, 2019, 01:19:36 PM
Just ban The Ghostbuster.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: froggie on January 09, 2019, 02:12:03 PM
Quote from: MikieTimT on January 08, 2019, 12:36:15 PM
I didn't notice any ending signs when I was there a few weeks back.  However, there is a project on ARDOT's website that has an environmental document that states the end of I-555 is US-49.

My guess is they're waiting for FHWA concurrence before they move the terminus to AR 91.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: edwaleni on January 09, 2019, 09:48:18 PM
Quote from: froggie on January 09, 2019, 02:12:03 PM
Quote from: MikieTimT on January 08, 2019, 12:36:15 PM
I didn't notice any ending signs when I was there a few weeks back.  However, there is a project on ARDOT's website that has an environmental document that states the end of I-555 is US-49.

My guess is they're waiting for FHWA concurrence before they move the terminus to AR 91.

This is the farthest west signage for I-555. As good as it gets for now.

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7803/45958927164_5a0cf62e17_z.jpg)
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: Gnutella on April 01, 2019, 01:43:25 AM
I like the part of I-555 near its junction with I-55, and the speed limit is 55, so you have 5's up the ass (https://www.google.com/maps/@35.3977565,-90.2766195,3a,75y,154.9h,86.21t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sBbLkXIL8IBaR5HGEipiaoQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) on all the signs. :sombrero:
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: edwaleni on April 01, 2019, 03:17:10 PM
Quote from: Gnutella on April 01, 2019, 01:43:25 AM
I like the part of I-555 near its junction with I-55, and the speed limit is 55, so you have 5's up the ass (https://www.google.com/maps/@35.3977565,-90.2766195,3a,75y,154.9h,86.21t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sBbLkXIL8IBaR5HGEipiaoQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) on all the signs. :sombrero:

Someone needs to build a casino in Turrell, Arkansas. I don't think the numbers align like that anywhere else in the US!
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: Verlanka on April 02, 2019, 08:20:36 AM
Quote from: edwaleni on April 01, 2019, 03:17:10 PM

Someone needs to build a casino in Turrell, Arkansas. I don't think the numbers align like that anywhere else in the US!

:-D :-D :-D
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: US71 on April 04, 2019, 09:36:12 PM
Quote from: Verlanka on April 02, 2019, 08:20:36 AM
Quote from: edwaleni on April 01, 2019, 03:17:10 PM

Someone needs to build a casino in Turrell, Arkansas. I don't think the numbers align like that anywhere else in the US!

:-D :-D :-D

Gallup, NM used to have US 66 and US 666 ;)
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: rte66man on April 05, 2019, 03:14:14 PM
Quote from: US71 on April 04, 2019, 09:36:12 PM
Quote from: Verlanka on April 02, 2019, 08:20:36 AM
Quote from: edwaleni on April 01, 2019, 03:17:10 PM

Someone needs to build a casino in Turrell, Arkansas. I don't think the numbers align like that anywhere else in the US!

:-D :-D :-D

Gallup, NM used to have US 66 and US 666 ;)

And if there had been a 66 mph speed limit then you would hit the trifecta.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: okroads on April 06, 2019, 07:05:07 PM
Quote from: edwaleni on April 01, 2019, 03:17:10 PM
Quote from: Gnutella on April 01, 2019, 01:43:25 AM
I like the part of I-555 near its junction with I-55, and the speed limit is 55, so you have 5's up the ass (https://www.google.com/maps/@35.3977565,-90.2766195,3a,75y,154.9h,86.21t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sBbLkXIL8IBaR5HGEipiaoQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) on all the signs. :sombrero:

Someone needs to build a casino in Turrell, Arkansas. I don't think the numbers align like that anywhere else in the US!

Not quite in Arkansas, and slightly off topic, but here is a Speed Limit 55 sign, next to an OH 555 shield...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/5095/29968241571_f208d99c3c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/MEc59c)DSC05128 (https://flic.kr/p/MEc59c) by Eric Stuve (https://www.flickr.com/photos/okroads/), on Flickr
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: Tomahawkin on November 30, 2019, 08:01:06 PM
In Jonesboro for the weekend, has anyone heard about any legislative plans to extend 555 to Kansas City? Hopefully I would think they would make that IH 22 to add more funding to it, since a IH 22 interstate would be considered a high priority corridor from Birmingham to Kansas City for economic reasons in the Southeast, IMO
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: sprjus4 on November 30, 2019, 08:14:12 PM
None that I'm aware of, but that does seem to be a missing gap in the interstate highway system (Memphis <-> Kansas City), but at the same time it's a long stretch to ever see something built - that's at least 350 miles of construction.

EDIT - Now looking at it closer, it is only an added 10 minutes, 66 miles to take I-70 and I-55, which, for a long-distance traveler, would be more ideal than 5 hours, 40 minutes, 340 miles of arterial highway. So while not the -most direct-, it's not that far out of the way to warrant a whole new at least 350 mile interstate highway constructed. Ideally, it'd be nice, but in today's limited funding world, it's a low priority. If it was at least 30 minutes or longer added, I'd consider it to be an indirect and not ideal connection. Even a connection like Texarkana <-> Fort Smith can be made via I-30 and I-40 only adding 22 minutes, 90 miles. At that point, you begin to approach the point of being out of the way, but if an interstate highway connection is desired, it's available.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: US71 on November 30, 2019, 08:14:49 PM
Quote from: Tomahawkin on November 30, 2019, 08:01:06 PM
In Jonesboro for the weekend, has anyone heard about any legislative plans to extend 555 to Kansas City? Hopefully I would think they would make that IH 22 to add more funding to it, since a IH 22 interstate would be considered a high priority corridor from Birmingham to Kansas City for economic reasons in the Southeast, IMO

I've heard nothing of the sort.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: ilpt4u on November 30, 2019, 09:57:30 PM
Quote from: Tomahawkin on November 30, 2019, 08:01:06 PM
In Jonesboro for the weekend, has anyone heard about any legislative plans to extend 555 to Kansas City? Hopefully I would think they would make that IH 22 to add more funding to it, since a IH 22 interstate would be considered a high priority corridor from Birmingham to Kansas City for economic reasons in the Southeast, IMO
Never thought about it before...but looking on the map...get this corridor to Springfield, MO to start, and should a direct Springfield-KC Freeway not come to pass, using I-44 West to Joplin/I-49 (that stretch of I-44 is mostly E-W on the overall diagonal US 66 replacement) and then I-49 is not a terribly indirect routing

Of course, MO & AR already have a couple of Interstate projects to build out/finish first

Someone start whispering this to the Elected Officials and Business Leaders in Walnut Ridge, Branson, and Springfield...
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: Revive 755 on November 30, 2019, 10:38:37 PM
^ I wouldn't rule out a more direct Springfield - KC freeway eventually.  MO 13 is certainly getting a decent number of J-turns.

Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: US71 on November 30, 2019, 10:50:22 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on November 30, 2019, 10:38:37 PM
^ I wouldn't rule out a more direct Springfield - KC freeway eventually.  MO 13 is certainly getting a decent number of J-turns.


13 (and 7) is pretty much THE way from Kansas City to Springfield, but it wasn't built for all the traffic it sees.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: mvak36 on December 01, 2019, 06:50:39 PM
Quote from: US71 on November 30, 2019, 10:50:22 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on November 30, 2019, 10:38:37 PM
^ I wouldn't rule out a more direct Springfield - KC freeway eventually.  MO 13 is certainly getting a decent number of J-turns.


13 (and 7) is pretty much THE way from Kansas City to Springfield, but it wasn't built for all the traffic it sees.

That's not a bad idea for a freeway (if MODOT had the money). Most of the road is already there (just have to limit access). I would guess they'd have to bypass Clinton and then also figure out how to tie the freeway into I-49 at the northern end (if they use MO-7) and I-44 (or US65) at the southern end.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: US71 on December 01, 2019, 06:52:50 PM
Quote from: mvak36 on December 01, 2019, 06:50:39 PM
Quote from: US71 on November 30, 2019, 10:50:22 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on November 30, 2019, 10:38:37 PM
^ I wouldn't rule out a more direct Springfield - KC freeway eventually.  MO 13 is certainly getting a decent number of J-turns.


13 (and 7) is pretty much THE way from Kansas City to Springfield, but it wasn't built for all the traffic it sees.

That's not a bad idea for a freeway (if MODOT had the money). Most of the road is already there (just have to limit access). I would guess they'd have to bypass Clinton and then also figure out how to tie the freeway into I-49 at the northern end (if they use MO-7) and I-44 (or US65) at the southern end.

I don't really see it happening. 555 was mostly a gimmie for Jonesboro.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: mvak36 on December 01, 2019, 06:56:43 PM
Quote from: US71 on December 01, 2019, 06:52:50 PM
Quote from: mvak36 on December 01, 2019, 06:50:39 PM
Quote from: US71 on November 30, 2019, 10:50:22 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on November 30, 2019, 10:38:37 PM
^ I wouldn't rule out a more direct Springfield - KC freeway eventually.  MO 13 is certainly getting a decent number of J-turns.


13 (and 7) is pretty much THE way from Kansas City to Springfield, but it wasn't built for all the traffic it sees.

That's not a bad idea for a freeway (if MODOT had the money). Most of the road is already there (just have to limit access). I would guess they'd have to bypass Clinton and then also figure out how to tie the freeway into I-49 at the northern end (if they use MO-7) and I-44 (or US65) at the southern end.

I don't really see it happening. 555 was mostly a gimmie for Jonesboro.

I don't either. Especially now that they're putting in those J-turns (and also MODOT's financial situation). That should be enough for a while.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: X99 on December 01, 2019, 10:41:49 PM
Quote from: mvak36 on December 01, 2019, 06:50:39 PM
Quote from: US71 on November 30, 2019, 10:50:22 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on November 30, 2019, 10:38:37 PM
^ I wouldn't rule out a more direct Springfield - KC freeway eventually.  MO 13 is certainly getting a decent number of J-turns.


13 (and 7) is pretty much THE way from Kansas City to Springfield, but it wasn't built for all the traffic it sees.

That's not a bad idea for a freeway (if MODOT had the money). Most of the road is already there (just have to limit access). I would guess they'd have to bypass Clinton and then also figure out how to tie the freeway into I-49 at the northern end (if they use MO-7) and I-44 (or US65) at the southern end.
I think it would be cheaper to upgrade US 65 between Springfield and Branson as a full freeway before considering a freeway upgrade for the 13/7 expressway.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: GreenLanternCorps on December 02, 2019, 06:44:39 AM
Quote from: Gnutella on April 01, 2019, 01:43:25 AM
I like the part of I-555 near its junction with I-55, and the speed limit is 55, so you have 5's up the ass (https://www.google.com/maps/@35.3977565,-90.2766195,3a,75y,154.9h,86.21t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sBbLkXIL8IBaR5HGEipiaoQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) on all the signs. :sombrero:

This quote from the file "Where the Heart Is" comes to mind...

Novalee Nation: "Five days old, she got the Jaundice. Five weeks old, she got an ear infection. Five months old, she was kidnapped. Five years old? I'm not lightin' any fires, thank you."
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: ozarkman417 on December 02, 2019, 07:34:22 PM
Quote from: mvak36 on December 01, 2019, 06:50:39 PM
Quote from: US71 on November 30, 2019, 10:50:22 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on November 30, 2019, 10:38:37 PM
^ I wouldn't rule out a more direct Springfield - KC freeway eventually.  MO 13 is certainly getting a decent number of J-turns.


13 (and 7) is pretty much THE way from Kansas City to Springfield, but it wasn't built for all the traffic it sees.

That's not a bad idea for a freeway (if MODOT had the money). Most of the road is already there (just have to limit access). I would guess they'd have to bypass Clinton and then also figure out how to tie the freeway into I-49 at the northern end (if they use MO-7) and I-44 (or US65) at the southern end.
It would have to be US 65. The 44/13 interchange cannot be used as it would threaten the Dickerson Park Zoo, the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds and other established developments at that intersection. How I would do this would be to create a new freeway, starting near the Route WW & 13 intersection and running it southeast to 65 somewhere between Bluegrass Road & Valley Water Mill. It would be convenient for Branson travelers as they can bypass the 13/44 interchange that still has severe backups (and I-44 itself).
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: Bobby5280 on December 02, 2019, 10:34:09 PM
I think I-555 should be extended to Walnut Ridge. But it would be a really long term prospect (decades) for the US-63 corridor to be upgraded to Interstate quality from Walnut Ridge up to Willow Springs, MO and US-60.

Despite all the funding problems Missouri has, I'm certain we'll see US-60 upgraded to Interstate quality from Springfield over to Poplar Bluff well before anything significant is done to US-63 in Northern Arkansas and Southern Missouri.

Regarding the Memphis to KC idea, the I-55/I-70 combo is an angular route. But the US-63/US-60 combo to Springfield is a pretty curvy route due to all the hilly terrain.

I think something better is needed between Wichita and the Joplin/Springfield region. US-400 really stinks with all the bends and turns in its route in SE KS. US-400 to Dodge City and then US-50 on West to Pueblo may turn into a more important corridor over the long term.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: Wayward Memphian on December 02, 2019, 10:48:30 PM
Quote from: ilpt4u on November 30, 2019, 09:57:30 PM
Quote from: Tomahawkin on November 30, 2019, 08:01:06 PM
In Jonesboro for the weekend, has anyone heard about any legislative plans to extend 555 to Kansas City? Hopefully I would think they would make that IH 22 to add more funding to it, since a IH 22 interstate would be considered a high priority corridor from Birmingham to Kansas City for economic reasons in the Southeast, IMO
Never thought about it before...but looking on the map...get this corridor to Springfield, MO to start, and should a direct Springfield-KC Freeway not come to pass, using I-44 West to Joplin/I-49 (that stretch of I-44 is mostly E-W on the overall diagonal US 66 replacement) and then I-49 is not a terribly indirect routing

Of course, MO & AR already have a couple of Interstate projects to build out/finish first

Someone start whispering this to the Elected Officials and Business Leaders in Walnut Ridge, Branson, and Springfield...

I have envisioned US 412 being an extension of I-22 to Tulsa, possibly to I-35. You have US 65 from Harrison to Springfield that could be upgraded to Interstate and additionally I-49 in NWA  that could carry you on to KC.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: bugo on December 03, 2019, 03:01:33 AM
Quote from: US71 on April 04, 2019, 09:36:12 PM
Quote from: Verlanka on April 02, 2019, 08:20:36 AM
Quote from: edwaleni on April 01, 2019, 03:17:10 PM

Someone needs to build a casino in Turrell, Arkansas. I don't think the numbers align like that anywhere else in the US!
Gallup, NM used to have US 66 and US 666 ;)

Tulsa has I-44 and I-444. It also has I-244 and Future OK 344. One day the Creek Turnpike might be I-644 or I-844. No speed limits of 44 miles per hour, sadly.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: The Ghostbuster on December 03, 2019, 01:49:47 PM
I could see Interstate 555 (theoretically) being extended to US 67/future Interstate 57 in Walnut Ridge. Any extensions in any direction beyond Walnut Ridge (excluding future Interstate 57) seem like a fantasy to me.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: edwaleni on December 03, 2019, 04:15:37 PM
According to the strat plan from ArDOT, they are planning updates to US-412 across the northern part of the state.  East of Harrison and east of Springdale.  US-65 is already 4 lane from Harrison to Branson.

As for connectivity for Jonesboro to the future US-67 effort, ArDOT already improved AR-226 (Cash Highway) to support that activity.

As for a future Memphis-KCMO connectivity, ArDOT would rather you take US-412 to either US-64 via Branson or over to I-49 in Springdale.

US-63 from Hardy to West Plains, MO is a winding 2 lane, hard to pass route and with lots of local speed zones. I have driven it many times and should be avoided.

While it looks good on the map due to its great angle to reach Missouri, its actually quicker to take US-412 across.

I-555 actually ends south of Jonesboro even though Google Maps signs it all the way to AR-91. Google mapped it the way because AASHTO approved it, but ArDOT only signed what they acknowledge.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: US71 on December 04, 2019, 08:56:06 AM
Quote from: edwaleni on December 03, 2019, 04:15:37 PM

US-63 from Hardy to West Plains, MO is a winding 2 lane, hard to pass route and with lots of local speed zones. I have driven it many times and should be avoided.

Last time I was over that way (2017?) ARDOT was replacing a couple of the narrow bridges and adding some passing lanes.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: Wayward Memphian on December 04, 2019, 09:56:25 AM
Quote from: edwaleni on December 03, 2019, 04:15:37 PM
According to the strat plan from ArDOT, they are planning updates to US-412 across the northern part of the state.  East of Harrison and east of Springdale.  US-65 is already 4 lane from Harrison to Branson.

As for connectivity for Jonesboro to the future US-67 effort, ArDOT already improved AR-226 (Cash Highway) to support that activity.

As for a future Memphis-KCMO connectivity, ArDOT would rather you take US-412 to either US-64 via Branson or over to I-49 in Springdale.

US-63 from Hardy to West Plains, MO is a winding 2 lane, hard to pass route and with lots of local speed zones. I have driven it many times and should be avoided.

While it looks good on the map due to its great angle to reach Missouri, its actually quicker to take US-412 across.

I-555 actually ends south of Jonesboro even though Google Maps signs it all the way to AR-91. Google mapped it the way because AASHTO approved it, but ArDOT only signed what they acknowledge.


US 412 should be the preferred  way from an Arkansas point of view. I would love for I-555 and US412 to be an extension of I-22 to Tulsa and then to I-35. You are correct that US- 65 or I-49 would be the way to KC. Missouri upgrading MO 13 would tie into the US 65 option perfectly
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: US71 on December 04, 2019, 10:04:24 AM
Quote from: edwaleni on December 03, 2019, 04:15:37 PM
According to the strat plan from ArDOT, they are planning updates to US-412 across the northern part of the state.  East of Harrison and east of Springdale.  US-65 is already 4 lane from Harrison to Branson.

As for connectivity for Jonesboro to the future US-67 effort, ArDOT already improved AR-226 (Cash Highway) to support that activity.

As for a future Memphis-KCMO connectivity, ArDOT would rather you take US-412 to either US-64 via Branson or over to I-49 in Springdale.

US-63 from Hardy to West Plains, MO is a winding 2 lane, hard to pass route and with lots of local speed zones. I have driven it many times and should be avoided.

While it looks good on the map due to its great angle to reach Missouri, its actually quicker to take US-412 across.

I-555 actually ends south of Jonesboro even though Google Maps signs it all the way to AR-91. Google mapped it the way because AASHTO approved it, but ArDOT only signed what they acknowledge.

It officially ends at US 49 on the SW side of Jonesboro
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: Paulinator66 on December 04, 2019, 04:20:35 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on December 02, 2019, 10:34:09 PMI think I-555 should be extended to Walnut Ridge. . . .

This is the story I heard.  My Dad lived in the Springfield area for years and he said that the long term plans were to upgrade US60 to at least Sikeston, if not Paducah, to provide a fairly direct route from Springfield/Branson to Nashville.  Then I-555 was to be extended northward to US60 at Walnut Ridge to provide a direct route to Memphis as well.  Plans may have changed or stalled by now. . .this was years ago that my Dad told me all this.  However, I'm not sure why I-555 wasn't named I-22.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: ozarkman417 on December 04, 2019, 05:49:33 PM
Quote from: Paulinator66 on December 04, 2019, 04:20:35 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on December 02, 2019, 10:34:09 PMI think I-555 should be extended to Walnut Ridge. . . .

This is the story I heard.  My Dad lived in the Springfield area for years and he said that the long term plans were to upgrade US60 to at least Sikeston, if not Paducah, to provide a fairly direct route from Springfield/Branson to Nashville.
The Springfield to Paducah part almost happened with the proposed Interstate 66, but that plan fell through years ago. The four-laning of US 60 east of Springfield was only completed ten years ago and the traffic isn't very heavy east of the Springfield metro, so those upgrades are very unlikely to come anytime soon.
US60's AADT gets cut in half (approximately) when US-63 splits from the route to go down to West Plains.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: Tomahawkin on December 04, 2019, 07:27:21 PM
Someone  mentioned 555 tying in with US 412. I like the idea of extending 555 up to U.S. 412 and converting 412 into a interstate into Oklahoma. That would be perfect for extending IH 22 westward as we as a cheaper option IMO. Not to mention it makes a Jonesboro to Fayetteville drive 3 hours instead of 4.5 hours
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: US71 on December 04, 2019, 09:12:21 PM
Quote from: Tomahawkin on December 04, 2019, 07:27:21 PM
Someone  mentioned 555 tying in with US 412. I like the idea of extending 555 up to U.S. 412 and converting 412 into a interstate into Oklahoma. That would be perfect for extending IH 22 westward as we as a cheaper option IMO. Not to mention it makes a Jonesboro to Fayetteville drive 3 hours instead of 4.5 hours

It would take a lot to upgrade 412 to Interstate standards and I'm not sure if traffic counts would justify it.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: Bobby5280 on December 05, 2019, 01:29:45 AM
Yeah, I strongly doubt US-412 across Northern Arkansas would ever be upgraded fully to Interstate standards. Also, Memphis to Kansas City traffic is not going to do some way out of the way "L" shape trip, taking US-412 all the way to Springdale before going Northward. They're going to take US-63 into Missouri to connect with US-60 to Springfield and take the MO-13 & MO-7 combo (both 4 lane highways) to KC. That's a far more direct route.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: sprjus4 on December 05, 2019, 05:28:45 AM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on December 05, 2019, 01:29:45 AM
Yeah, I strongly doubt US-412 across Northern Arkansas would ever be upgraded fully to Interstate standards. Also, Memphis to Kansas City traffic is not going to do some way out of the way "L" shape trip, taking US-412 all the way to Springdale before going Northward. They're going to take US-63 into Missouri to connect with US-60 to Springfield and take the MO-13 & MO-7 combo (both 4 lane highways) to KC. That's a far more direct route.
I-55 and I-70 is also a reasonable route, and still far more direct and faster than US-412. It's about 10-15 minutes slower than the routes you mention, but is likely the preferred for some amount of traffic as it's all interstate highway. If I was a long-distance traveler going to/from a location beyond Memphis and Kansas City, I would more than likely take the interstate via St. Louis.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: MikieTimT on December 05, 2019, 11:23:58 AM
Quote from: US71 on December 04, 2019, 09:12:21 PM
Quote from: Tomahawkin on December 04, 2019, 07:27:21 PM
Someone  mentioned 555 tying in with US 412. I like the idea of extending 555 up to U.S. 412 and converting 412 into a interstate into Oklahoma. That would be perfect for extending IH 22 westward as we as a cheaper option IMO. Not to mention it makes a Jonesboro to Fayetteville drive 3 hours instead of 4.5 hours

It would take a lot to upgrade 412 to Interstate standards and I'm not sure if traffic counts would justify it.

And it would also limit access in a large swath of the northern part of Arkansas that currently has direct access to US-412.  Not to mention, bring more traffic into an area known more for tourism/retirement, neither of which really would be better served by a limited access freeway.  Part of what draws people to Arkansas is the road system, which, although some may disagree with, carries cars and motorcycles in tune with the terrain rather than blasting through it as an Interstate designation would likely warrant.  I personally like driving US-412 from Springdale to Jonesboro on jobs 2-3 times a year explicitly for that reason.  If you operate a motor vehicle to get from point A to point B in the most expeditious and cheapest way possible, then, I agree an Interstate would be a worthy goal.  It would also result in some economic growth, which some may also aspire to.  But, if you like to drive as I much as I do, and have the appropriate vehicle and tires for the road, then US-412 is great as as it is with curves and hills and some great scenery.  Those who retire there or haul campers and boats up to the world-class lakes there would likely say the same.  Only thing I can think of for improvement is the addition of a sufficient quantity of passing/climbing lanes, and some urban bypasses to improve the flow.  I think we're getting off topic with an I-555 thread and bleeding into Fictional territory now anyway.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: US71 on December 05, 2019, 11:29:36 AM
Quote from: MikieTimT on December 05, 2019, 11:23:58 AM
Quote from: US71 on December 04, 2019, 09:12:21 PM
Quote from: Tomahawkin on December 04, 2019, 07:27:21 PM
Someone  mentioned 555 tying in with US 412. I like the idea of extending 555 up to U.S. 412 and converting 412 into a interstate into Oklahoma. That would be perfect for extending IH 22 westward as we as a cheaper option IMO. Not to mention it makes a Jonesboro to Fayetteville drive 3 hours instead of 4.5 hours

It would take a lot to upgrade 412 to Interstate standards and I'm not sure if traffic counts would justify it.

And it would also limit access in a large swath of the northern part of Arkansas that currently has direct access to US-412.  Not to mention, bring more traffic into an area known more for tourism/retirement, neither of which really would be better served by a limited access freeway.  Part of what draws people to Arkansas is the road system, which, although some may disagree with, carries cars and motorcycles in tune with the terrain rather than blasting through it as an Interstate designation would likely warrant.  I personally like driving US-412 from Springdale to Jonesboro on jobs 2-3 times a year explicitly for that reason.  If you operate a motor vehicle to get from point A to point B in the most expeditious and cheapest way possible, then, I agree an Interstate would be a worthy goal.  It would also result in some economic growth, which some may also aspire to.  But, if you like to drive as I much as I do, and have the appropriate vehicle and tires for the road, then US-412 is great as as it is with curves and hills and some great scenery.  Those who retire there or haul campers and boats up to the world-class lakes there would likely say the same.  Only thing I can think of for improvement is the addition of a sufficient quantity of passing/climbing lanes, and some urban bypasses to improve the flow.  I think we're getting off topic with an I-555 thread and bleeding into Fictional territory now anyway.

Not totally fictional. Improvements have been made here and there along 412 west Alpena with climbing lanes, but the terrain is very rough.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: MikieTimT on December 05, 2019, 11:47:18 AM
Quote from: US71 on December 05, 2019, 11:29:36 AM
Quote from: MikieTimT on December 05, 2019, 11:23:58 AM
Quote from: US71 on December 04, 2019, 09:12:21 PM
Quote from: Tomahawkin on December 04, 2019, 07:27:21 PM
Someone  mentioned 555 tying in with US 412. I like the idea of extending 555 up to U.S. 412 and converting 412 into a interstate into Oklahoma. That would be perfect for extending IH 22 westward as we as a cheaper option IMO. Not to mention it makes a Jonesboro to Fayetteville drive 3 hours instead of 4.5 hours

It would take a lot to upgrade 412 to Interstate standards and I'm not sure if traffic counts would justify it.

And it would also limit access in a large swath of the northern part of Arkansas that currently has direct access to US-412.  Not to mention, bring more traffic into an area known more for tourism/retirement, neither of which really would be better served by a limited access freeway.  Part of what draws people to Arkansas is the road system, which, although some may disagree with, carries cars and motorcycles in tune with the terrain rather than blasting through it as an Interstate designation would likely warrant.  I personally like driving US-412 from Springdale to Jonesboro on jobs 2-3 times a year explicitly for that reason.  If you operate a motor vehicle to get from point A to point B in the most expeditious and cheapest way possible, then, I agree an Interstate would be a worthy goal.  It would also result in some economic growth, which some may also aspire to.  But, if you like to drive as I much as I do, and have the appropriate vehicle and tires for the road, then US-412 is great as as it is with curves and hills and some great scenery.  Those who retire there or haul campers and boats up to the world-class lakes there would likely say the same.  Only thing I can think of for improvement is the addition of a sufficient quantity of passing/climbing lanes, and some urban bypasses to improve the flow.  I think we're getting off topic with an I-555 thread and bleeding into Fictional territory now anyway.

Not totally fictional. Improvements have been made here and there along 412 west Alpena with climbing lanes, but the terrain is very rough.

And I can see a case for the same treatment between Huntsville and Alpena as was done from Springdale to Huntsville.  It'd be fine as a 4 lane with at-grade intersections to keep access where there really isn't much alternative anyway, and a small bump in speed limit.  It's not going to be another I-49 in our lifetimes anyway, though.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: sparker on December 06, 2019, 06:21:38 PM
With the growth of NWA, there's always the potential for a E-W interstate on US 412 west of I-49; any eastern extension across the Ozarks is a long shot at best.  Of course, the major obstacle is ODOT; but since their more recent efforts are targeting both OKC and Tulsa, an upgraded route from the latter city to NWA might be something that would be considered with a modicum of local prodding -- especially since quite a bit of it is already constructed as a toll facility -- and that concept could be extended in both directions from the existing Cherokee facility.  A "double-ended" corridor extending both east and west of Tulsa using the Cimarron pike wouldn't be out of the question either -- except for a single grade crossing, the western US 412 portion is already in service.   But it would likely take actions from within AR to secure any Interstate designation for that corridor; it's unlikely any such initiative would emerge from any OK entity.   But a facility along US 412 east of there would be unlikely to provide potential traffic levels to warrant even a 4-lane expressway much less a freeway.   And connecting it east to the existing I-155 in MO's "bootheel" has been effectively usurped by the I-57 concept;  it's improbable that an additional large freeway project in NE AR would see the light of day for at least several decades.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: MikieTimT on December 07, 2019, 01:14:19 PM
Quote from: sparker on December 06, 2019, 06:21:38 PM
With the growth of NWA, there's always the potential for a E-W interstate on US 412 west of I-49; any eastern extension across the Ozarks is a long shot at best.  Of course, the major obstacle is ODOT; but since their more recent efforts are targeting both OKC and Tulsa, an upgraded route from the latter city to NWA might be something that would be considered with a modicum of local prodding -- especially since quite a bit of it is already constructed as a toll facility -- and that concept could be extended in both directions from the existing Cherokee facility.  A "double-ended" corridor extending both east and west of Tulsa using the Cimarron pike wouldn't be out of the question either -- except for a single grade crossing, the western US 412 portion is already in service.   But it would likely take actions from within AR to secure any Interstate designation for that corridor; it's unlikely any such initiative would emerge from any OK entity.   But a facility along US 412 east of there would be unlikely to provide potential traffic levels to warrant even a 4-lane expressway much less a freeway.   And connecting it east to the existing I-155 in MO's "bootheel" has been effectively usurped by the I-57 concept;  it's improbable that an additional large freeway project in NE AR would see the light of day for at least several decades.

I don't see Arkansas pushing for such a thing at this time.  The time to bypass Siloam Springs was really before they 6-laned 412 through town, and part of the growth of NWA will bleed into Siloam Springs as development occurs off the I-49 corridor along US-412 making an eventual bypass go way north between Siloam Springs and Gentry.  I agree that this would occur before anything east of Huntsville, and certainly way before anything happens between east of Harrison. We might live to see freeway connections to Harrison and Walnut Ridge, but anything else is likely pie in the sky wishing without a much greater federal push for funding and design for the Interstate Highway System.  And such a road across northern Arkansas would require lots of blasting and filling and would bring more people to an area that is currently enjoyed by people looking to escape population density.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: US71 on December 08, 2019, 07:43:05 AM
Quote from: MikieTimT on December 07, 2019, 01:14:19 PM
Quote from: sparker on December 06, 2019, 06:21:38 PM
With the growth of NWA, there's always the potential for a E-W interstate on US 412 west of I-49; any eastern extension across the Ozarks is a long shot at best.  Of course, the major obstacle is ODOT; but since their more recent efforts are targeting both OKC and Tulsa, an upgraded route from the latter city to NWA might be something that would be considered with a modicum of local prodding -- especially since quite a bit of it is already constructed as a toll facility -- and that concept could be extended in both directions from the existing Cherokee facility.  A "double-ended" corridor extending both east and west of Tulsa using the Cimarron pike wouldn't be out of the question either -- except for a single grade crossing, the western US 412 portion is already in service.   But it would likely take actions from within AR to secure any Interstate designation for that corridor; it's unlikely any such initiative would emerge from any OK entity.   But a facility along US 412 east of there would be unlikely to provide potential traffic levels to warrant even a 4-lane expressway much less a freeway.   And connecting it east to the existing I-155 in MO's "bootheel" has been effectively usurped by the I-57 concept;  it's improbable that an additional large freeway project in NE AR would see the light of day for at least several decades.

I don't see Arkansas pushing for such a thing at this time.  The time to bypass Siloam Springs was really before they 6-laned 412 through town, and part of the growth of NWA will bleed into Siloam Springs as development occurs off the I-49 corridor along US-412 making an eventual bypass go way north between Siloam Springs and Gentry.  I agree that this would occur before anything east of Huntsville, and certainly way before anything happens between east of Harrison. We might live to see freeway connections to Harrison and Walnut Ridge, but anything else is likely pie in the sky wishing without a much greater federal push for funding and design for the Interstate Highway System.  And such a road across northern Arkansas would require lots of blasting and filling and would bring more people to an area that is currently enjoyed by people looking to escape population density.

ARDOT: planning for yesterday, tomorrow.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: edwaleni on December 09, 2019, 03:48:32 PM
In the 2019 ArDOT strat plan, US-412 was identified for updating to 4 lanes, but not to interstate standards.  No time frame was given.

RV's, campers, boats is a big driver, not freight.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: sparker on December 09, 2019, 10:47:01 PM
Quote from: edwaleni on December 09, 2019, 03:48:32 PM
In the 2019 ArDOT strat plan, US-412 was identified for updating to 4 lanes, but not to interstate standards.  No time frame was given.

RV's, campers, boats is a big driver, not freight.

Which portion of US 412 do those plans cover?  I'd take a guess that the portion of the route east of Walnut Ridge would be the most likely candidate for such upgrades. 
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: edwaleni on December 14, 2019, 02:42:51 PM
Here are the current unfunded plans.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48095537111_fb140cc363_z.jpg)

Here are the priority routes.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48095642177_6ba6ac0bca_z.jpg)

Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: MNHighwayMan on December 14, 2019, 02:48:06 PM
Quote from: edwaleni on December 14, 2019, 02:42:51 PM
Here are the current unfunded plans.

[images snipped]

Sure would be nice if those images were large enough to read.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: armadillo speedbump on December 14, 2019, 06:51:09 PM
Scroll to pages 21-45

https://www.arkansashighways.com/PowerPoints/2019/20190612%20AHC%20Meeting%20Slides.pdf (https://www.arkansashighways.com/PowerPoints/2019/20190612%20AHC%20Meeting%20Slides.pdf)
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: MNHighwayMan on December 14, 2019, 07:24:23 PM
Thank you! It is appreciated to get the original source. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: bugo on December 27, 2019, 05:58:09 AM
The 2019-2021 Arkansas official shows US 63 between US 49 and AR 91 as "Future I-555".(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191227/fb986208cc9449f491fc17c9716d99b0.jpg)
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: edwaleni on December 29, 2019, 08:56:58 PM
Quote from: bugo on December 27, 2019, 05:58:09 AM
The 2019-2021 Arkansas official shows US 63 between US 49 and AR 91 as "Future I-555".(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191227/fb986208cc9449f491fc17c9716d99b0.jpg)

AASHTO approved it to AR-91.

ArDOT only signed it to US-49.

So as of today, according to ArDOT, I-555 ends at US-49.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: MikieTimT on September 28, 2020, 10:49:50 PM
Quote from: edwaleni on December 29, 2019, 08:56:58 PM
Quote from: bugo on December 27, 2019, 05:58:09 AM
The 2019-2021 Arkansas official shows US 63 between US 49 and AR 91 as "Future I-555".(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191227/fb986208cc9449f491fc17c9716d99b0.jpg)

AASHTO approved it to AR-91.

ArDOT only signed it to US-49.

So as of today, according to ArDOT, I-555 ends at US-49.

And as of a few days ago, this looks to be changing:
https://vpiph01-i555-extension-hwy-49-hwy-91-jonesboro-ardot.hub.arcgis.com/ (https://vpiph01-i555-extension-hwy-49-hwy-91-jonesboro-ardot.hub.arcgis.com/)
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: Tomahawkin on September 29, 2020, 08:30:25 AM
OT what kind of roadwork are they doing in the median in the Jonesboro area? If I had to guess would be that they are putting up a Jersey Barrier???
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: MikieTimT on September 29, 2020, 10:49:47 AM
Quote from: Tomahawkin on September 29, 2020, 08:30:25 AM
OT what kind of roadwork are they doing in the median in the Jonesboro area? If I had to guess would be that they are putting up a Jersey Barrier???

They have been tearing out the northwest bound lanes and redoing the roadbed.  When I was there a few days ago, I-555 is mostly 2 lane through town at the moment with all traffic on the southeast carriageway.  Don't know if they're going to do the same with the southeast carriageway, but I'd bet they switch over the traffic to the northwest bound lanes and do the same to the current carriageway.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: Tomahawkin on September 29, 2020, 06:17:44 PM
I have noticed that this work has been going on since April. It seems as if this will be a 18 month project?
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: US71 on September 29, 2020, 06:27:24 PM
Quote from: Tomahawkin on September 29, 2020, 06:17:44 PM
I have noticed that this work has been going on since April. It seems as if this will be a 18 month project?

Probably just over a year
https://www.kait8.com/2020/06/25/ardot-engineer-explains-construction-project-i-jonesboro/
Work should be completed on I-555 in Jonesboro late spring or early summer 2021.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: bugo on September 30, 2020, 04:37:00 PM
If they sign I-555 all the way to AR 91, it will have a 4 1/2 mile overlap with US 63. Since this is Arkansas, US 63 will probably not be signed along the piggyback, leaving a signage gap on US 63 from the AR 91 interchange and the US 49 south/US 63 south interchange. They should leave it be, because I-555 cleanly ends at US 63 with no useless duplexes.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: US71 on September 30, 2020, 05:20:24 PM
Quote from: bugo on September 30, 2020, 04:37:00 PM
If they sign I-555 all the way to AR 91, it will have a 4 1/2 mile overlap with US 63. Since this is Arkansas, US 63 will probably not be signed along the piggyback, leaving a signage gap on US 63 from the AR 91 interchange and the US 49 south/US 63 south interchange. They should leave it be, because I-555 cleanly ends at US 63 with no useless duplexes.

I don't know if it still is, but 555 and 63 were co-signed at one time.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: bugo on September 30, 2020, 06:02:44 PM
Were the US 63 signs underneath the I-555 signs? Arkansas usually puts the sign of the new designation in place of the old designation and they put the old signs underneath the new shields, sometimes hanging by only one bolt.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: MikieTimT on September 30, 2020, 06:04:42 PM
Quote from: bugo on September 30, 2020, 04:37:00 PM
If they sign I-555 all the way to AR 91, it will have a 4 1/2 mile overlap with US 63. Since this is Arkansas, US 63 will probably not be signed along the piggyback, leaving a signage gap on US 63 from the AR 91 interchange and the US 49 south/US 63 south interchange. They should leave it be, because I-555 cleanly ends at US 63 with no useless duplexes.

I think you must be confusing US-63 with US-49.  US-49 has a concurrency within Jonesboro of a few miles, but I-555 is concurrent with US-63 in its entirety.  And I don't recall I-555 being co-signed with US-49 on that few miles either.  I don't have an issue with terminating it at a state highway rather than a US highway.  Although, I'd certainly rather they take it all way to Future I-57 for sure.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: US71 on September 30, 2020, 06:19:45 PM
Quote from: bugo on September 30, 2020, 06:02:44 PM
Were the US 63 signs underneath the I-555 signs? Arkansas usually puts the sign of the new designation in place of the old designation and they put the old signs underneath the new shields, sometimes hanging by only one bolt.

Usually below, yes, for free standing assemblies.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: The Ghostbuster on September 30, 2020, 07:52:55 PM
Do let us know when/if Arkansas finally gets their act together, and signs 555 between US 49 and AR 91, like they should have done in the first place.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: Tomahawkin on September 30, 2020, 08:08:25 PM
OT, does anyone think that the interchanges at US 49, Caraway road and Stadium Blvd completely suck and need makeovers? The traffic from the BS frontage roads and lack of traffic signals at some off ramps make those interchanges a cluster #### during the afternoons and evenings! Those interchanges need serious improvements especially during Christmas time,  it sucks...
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: mvak36 on September 30, 2020, 10:20:16 PM
Quote from: MikieTimT on September 30, 2020, 06:04:42 PM
Quote from: bugo on September 30, 2020, 04:37:00 PM
If they sign I-555 all the way to AR 91, it will have a 4 1/2 mile overlap with US 63. Since this is Arkansas, US 63 will probably not be signed along the piggyback, leaving a signage gap on US 63 from the AR 91 interchange and the US 49 south/US 63 south interchange. They should leave it be, because I-555 cleanly ends at US 63 with no useless duplexes.

I think you must be confusing US-63 with US-49.  US-49 has a concurrency within Jonesboro of a few miles, but I-555 is concurrent with US-63 in its entirety.  And I don't recall I-555 being co-signed with US-49 on that few miles either.  I don't have an issue with terminating it at a state highway rather than a US highway.  Although, I'd certainly rather they take it all way to Future I-57 for sure.

They re-routed (or will soon) US63. It will now follow US49 from I-40 in Brinkley up to I-555 before continuing NW on its current alignment. https://route.transportation.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2019/06/003_USRN-Applications-Spring-Meeting-2019_AR-GA_Part-1.pdf

And I agree that it should get extended out to I-57 (not sure how much construction would be involved to bring up to interstate standards).
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: US71 on September 30, 2020, 11:05:01 PM
Quote from: mvak36 on September 30, 2020, 10:20:16 PM
Quote from: MikieTimT on September 30, 2020, 06:04:42 PM
Quote from: bugo on September 30, 2020, 04:37:00 PM
If they sign I-555 all the way to AR 91, it will have a 4 1/2 mile overlap with US 63. Since this is Arkansas, US 63 will probably not be signed along the piggyback, leaving a signage gap on US 63 from the AR 91 interchange and the US 49 south/US 63 south interchange. They should leave it be, because I-555 cleanly ends at US 63 with no useless duplexes.

I think you must be confusing US-63 with US-49.  US-49 has a concurrency within Jonesboro of a few miles, but I-555 is concurrent with US-63 in its entirety.  And I don't recall I-555 being co-signed with US-49 on that few miles either.  I don't have an issue with terminating it at a state highway rather than a US highway.  Although, I'd certainly rather they take it all way to Future I-57 for sure.

They re-routed (or will soon) US63. It will now follow US49 from I-40 in Brinkley up to I-555 before continuing NW on its current alignment. https://route.transportation.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2019/06/003_USRN-Applications-Spring-Meeting-2019_AR-GA_Part-1.pdf

And I agree that it should get extended out to I-57 (not sure how much construction would be involved to bring up to interstate standards).

Maybe someday they will, but probably not right now.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: sparker on October 01, 2020, 03:12:12 AM
Quote from: US71 on September 30, 2020, 11:05:01 PM
Quote from: mvak36 on September 30, 2020, 10:20:16 PM
Quote from: MikieTimT on September 30, 2020, 06:04:42 PM
Quote from: bugo on September 30, 2020, 04:37:00 PM
If they sign I-555 all the way to AR 91, it will have a 4 1/2 mile overlap with US 63. Since this is Arkansas, US 63 will probably not be signed along the piggyback, leaving a signage gap on US 63 from the AR 91 interchange and the US 49 south/US 63 south interchange. They should leave it be, because I-555 cleanly ends at US 63 with no useless duplexes.

I think you must be confusing US-63 with US-49.  US-49 has a concurrency within Jonesboro of a few miles, but I-555 is concurrent with US-63 in its entirety.  And I don't recall I-555 being co-signed with US-49 on that few miles either.  I don't have an issue with terminating it at a state highway rather than a US highway.  Although, I'd certainly rather they take it all way to Future I-57 for sure.

They re-routed (or will soon) US63. It will now follow US49 from I-40 in Brinkley up to I-555 before continuing NW on its current alignment. https://route.transportation.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2019/06/003_USRN-Applications-Spring-Meeting-2019_AR-GA_Part-1.pdf

And I agree that it should get extended out to I-57 (not sure how much construction would be involved to bring up to interstate standards).

Maybe someday they will, but probably not right now.

It's not really a "natural" movement from the US 67/proposed I-57 corridor eastward along US 63 to Jonesboro; from the south, most traffic would use AR 226 to get to that city, and from the north, there are several more efficient corridors from which to choose, such as AR 135 through Paragould (or directly west on AR 18 from northerly I-55 points).  Maybe after I-57 is completed, traffic patterns could conceivably change, but in the present situation, extending I-555 west to Walnut Ridge wouldn't provide much in the way of benefits.  It would likely take a regional corridor concept up into MO along US 63 to prompt interest regarding a limited-access facility following that route northwest of its current extent. 
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: Tomahawkin on October 01, 2020, 09:19:45 AM
I honestly wish that they would consider making 555 a corridor to Kansas City. Missouri would have to get involved on that corridor. It would be cool to get from Atlanta to Kansas City in 11 hours...
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: Mapmikey on October 01, 2020, 09:23:26 AM
Quote from: mvak36 on September 30, 2020, 10:20:16 PM
They re-routed (or will soon) US63. It will now follow US49 from I-40 in Brinkley up to I-555 before continuing NW on its current alignment. https://route.transportation.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2019/06/003_USRN-Applications-Spring-Meeting-2019_AR-GA_Part-1.pdf



Updated GMSV on I-40  (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.9091556,-91.1912889,3a,23.3y,268.68h,93.83t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sBvjl5wrzjfbQISd2ZcBgHg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) (credit to Spui_Ninja at TM forum for finding this) shows the BGS at US 49 now has a US 63 shield as well
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: MikieTimT on October 01, 2020, 03:48:00 PM
Quote from: mvak36 on September 30, 2020, 10:20:16 PM
Quote from: MikieTimT on September 30, 2020, 06:04:42 PM
Quote from: bugo on September 30, 2020, 04:37:00 PM
If they sign I-555 all the way to AR 91, it will have a 4 1/2 mile overlap with US 63. Since this is Arkansas, US 63 will probably not be signed along the piggyback, leaving a signage gap on US 63 from the AR 91 interchange and the US 49 south/US 63 south interchange. They should leave it be, because I-555 cleanly ends at US 63 with no useless duplexes.

I think you must be confusing US-63 with US-49.  US-49 has a concurrency within Jonesboro of a few miles, but I-555 is concurrent with US-63 in its entirety.  And I don't recall I-555 being co-signed with US-49 on that few miles either.  I don't have an issue with terminating it at a state highway rather than a US highway.  Although, I'd certainly rather they take it all way to Future I-57 for sure.

They re-routed (or will soon) US63. It will now follow US49 from I-40 in Brinkley up to I-555 before continuing NW on its current alignment. https://route.transportation.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2019/06/003_USRN-Applications-Spring-Meeting-2019_AR-GA_Part-1.pdf

And I agree that it should get extended out to I-57 (not sure how much construction would be involved to bring up to interstate standards).

17 miles of new terrain construction since it's currently 5 lane.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: US71 on October 01, 2020, 03:53:10 PM
Quote from: Tomahawkin on October 01, 2020, 09:19:45 AM
I honestly wish that they would consider making 555 a corridor to Kansas City. Missouri would have to get involved on that corridor. It would be cool to get from Atlanta to Kansas City in 11 hours...

I don't forsee that in my lifetime.  Maybe to Walnut Ridge, but not until 57 is officially designated (beyond Future 57 signs.)
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: The Ghostbuster on October 01, 2020, 05:26:28 PM
Extending Interstate 555 to Kansas City is a pipe dream. Extending 555 to US 67/future Interstate 57 in Hoxie/Walnut Ridge: Possible, but unlikely anytime soon. Also, I've long heard that US 63 will be rerouted between Jonesboro and existing US 63 south of Interstate 40's Exit 193. Any idea on when that might happen?
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: US71 on October 01, 2020, 05:42:20 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on October 01, 2020, 05:26:28 PM
Extending Interstate 555 to Kansas City is a pipe dream. Extending 555 to US 67/future Interstate 57 in Hoxie/Walnut Ridge: Possible, but unlikely anytime soon. Also, I've long heard that US 63 will be rerouted between Jonesboro and existing US 63 south of Interstate 40's Exit 193. Any idea on when that might happen?

If Google Street View is any indication, US 63 now follows US 49 from Jonesboro to I-40 at Brinkley.  I may attempt to verify this this weekend.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: KamKam on October 02, 2020, 11:28:07 PM
It is true. U.S. 63 is now concurrent with U.S. 49 between I-40 and I-555. The new Exit 216 sign (According to Google Street View on I-40 WB and Chris Schulz YouTube Channel MM 245-215 I-40 West Arkansas Video) Shows U.S. 49, U.S. 63 North and Arkansas 17
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: Bobby5280 on October 03, 2020, 02:59:58 PM
This I-555 news is pretty much a nothing burger. I'd would be more enthused about it if I-555 was being extended beyond its current end thru the hills to Bono. That would open the door to a fairly simple extension to Walnut Ridge and the I-57 corridor.

As for "I-555 to Kansas City," that seems kind of ridiculous. Best case scenario for the very very long term: from Jonesboro, AR up to Willow Springs, MO (and US-60) the US-63 corridor could be four-laned and then later converted to Interstate quality. Arkansas has so many other corridor priorities ahead of US-63 and the Missouri border. And Missouri has their own priorities. Upgrading US-60 fully to limited access between Springfield and Sikeston is one such priority. MO-13 and US-65 going North out of Springfield are both splitting the difference in efforts to have an Interstate quality corridor between Springfield and Kansas City.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: edwaleni on October 04, 2020, 07:48:01 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on October 03, 2020, 02:59:58 PM
This I-555 news is pretty much a nothing burger. I'd would be more enthused about it if I-555 was being extended beyond its current end thru the hills to Bono. That would open the door to a fairly simple extension to Walnut Ridge and the I-57 corridor.

As for "I-555 to Kansas City," that seems kind of ridiculous. Best case scenario for the very very long term: from Jonesboro, AR up to Willow Springs, MO (and US-60) the US-63 corridor could be four-laned and then later converted to Interstate quality. Arkansas has so many other corridor priorities ahead of US-63 and the Missouri border. And Missouri has their own priorities. Upgrading US-60 fully to limited access between Springfield and Sikeston is one such priority. MO-13 and US-65 going North out of Springfield are both splitting the difference in efforts to have an Interstate quality corridor between Springfield and Kansas City.

US 60 is a 4 lane entity from Springfield to Charleston. MoDOT has been working to convert parts to limited access highway. The east end from Poplar Bluff to Charleston as part of the I-57 Extension, and from Springfield to Rogersville as part of the regional Springfield MSA upgrades.

I-555 will probably never go past Dan Avenue in our lifetimes.  East-West access from Jonesboro to US-67 is primarily serviced by the 4 lane Cash Road (AR-226). Northwest access by US-63, which is 4 lane but no median separation all the way to Black Rock, thanks to the recently replaced bridge over the Black River at Black Rock.

Arkansas long term strategy is to upgrade US-412 for east-west traffic. Not to extend US-63 capacity to Missouri.

I have used I-555 as an extension of I-22 to come back and forth from the southeast. But I face the choice of 2 hurdles. Slow moving RV/Boat traffic at Mountain Home, or the ancient road geometry north of Hardy to reach West Plains in Missouri. Once I get to West Plains its 4 lane all the way to Springfield. I tried the Branson-Harrison route to US-412, but getting through Harrison to Mountain Home is just too time consuming and onerous.

I have seriously considered using the US-412/I-155 route via Dyersburg, TN to reach Jackson, TN. But once again I hit some lousy road to avoid Atlanta. US-412 takes a weird jog to the southwest to get to Paragould. These are modern problems.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: capt.ron on October 16, 2020, 12:26:35 PM
This may be old news for some on this board but ARDOT has a page concerning extending I-555 from US 49 to AR 91.
https://vpiph01-i555-extension-hwy-49-hwy-91-jonesboro-ardot.hub.arcgis.com/
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: The Ghostbuster on October 16, 2020, 03:06:37 PM
FINALLY! IT'S ABOUT TIME! :bigass:
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: MikieTimT on October 19, 2020, 02:30:43 PM
Quote from: capt.ron on October 16, 2020, 12:26:35 PM
This may be old news for some on this board but ARDOT has a page concerning extending I-555 from US 49 to AR 91.
https://vpiph01-i555-extension-hwy-49-hwy-91-jonesboro-ardot.hub.arcgis.com/

Yeah, that was posted back in Sept.
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=23703.msg2537405#msg2537405 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=23703.msg2537405#msg2537405)
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: US71 on October 19, 2020, 03:05:17 PM
Quote from: MikieTimT on October 19, 2020, 02:30:43 PM
Quote from: capt.ron on October 16, 2020, 12:26:35 PM
This may be old news for some on this board but ARDOT has a page concerning extending I-555 from US 49 to AR 91.
https://vpiph01-i555-extension-hwy-49-hwy-91-jonesboro-ardot.hub.arcgis.com/

Yeah, that was posted back in Sept.
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=23703.msg2537405#msg2537405 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=23703.msg2537405#msg2537405)

Seems a waste to me. Of course, all they are doing is replacing 63 signs with 555 signs.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: roadman65 on November 21, 2020, 10:48:50 AM
https://route.transportation.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2019/06/003_USRN-Applications-Spring-Meeting-2019_AR-GA_Part-1.pdf


Found this application sent last year to relocate US 63.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: edwaleni on November 21, 2020, 06:05:25 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on November 21, 2020, 10:48:50 AM
https://route.transportation.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2019/06/003_USRN-Applications-Spring-Meeting-2019_AR-GA_Part-1.pdf


Found this application sent last year to relocate US 63.

Not surprising. US-63 is pretty much an "all over the place" route after they decided to take it south of West Memphis.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: US71 on November 21, 2020, 06:21:25 PM
Quote from: edwaleni on November 21, 2020, 06:05:25 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on November 21, 2020, 10:48:50 AM
https://route.transportation.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2019/06/003_USRN-Applications-Spring-Meeting-2019_AR-GA_Part-1.pdf


Found this application sent last year to relocate US 63.

Not surprising. US-63 is pretty much an "all over the place" route after they decided to take it south of West Memphis.

I don't understand the reasoning for "south" 63.  South of El Dorado, it's totally redundant with US 167. Arkansas wants to remove highways then add new ones elsewhere.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: edwaleni on November 22, 2020, 02:54:02 PM
Quote from: US71 on November 21, 2020, 06:21:25 PM
Quote from: edwaleni on November 21, 2020, 06:05:25 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on November 21, 2020, 10:48:50 AM
https://route.transportation.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2019/06/003_USRN-Applications-Spring-Meeting-2019_AR-GA_Part-1.pdf


Found this application sent last year to relocate US 63.

Not surprising. US-63 is pretty much an "all over the place" route after they decided to take it south of West Memphis.

I don't understand the reasoning for "south" 63.  South of El Dorado, it's totally redundant with US 167. Arkansas wants to remove highways then add new ones elsewhere.

US-63 was never designed originally to go south of West Memphis. It was supposed to support northwest traffic to/from Memphis.

But it appears when Arkansas needed federal funding for a route south of Ripley, they decided to give US-63 the shuffle and brought it down I-40 so it would be continuous.

By retiring the route it removes the duplication that existed when they decided to extend it in the first place.

After this extension, I didn't hear many people bragging that they has clinched US-63 in Arkansas probably because of its non-logical routing.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: US71 on November 22, 2020, 03:01:27 PM
Quote from: edwaleni on November 22, 2020, 02:54:02 PM

After this extension, I didn't hear many people bragging that they has clinched US-63 in Arkansas probably because of its non-logical routing.

I've tried , mostly using old maps and 6th sense. ;)
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: bwana39 on November 22, 2020, 07:29:24 PM
It appears that part of the reasoning to convert it to IH is to get tractors off the roadway.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: edwaleni on November 24, 2020, 09:58:51 AM
Quote from: bwana39 on November 22, 2020, 07:29:24 PM
It appears that part of the reasoning to convert it to IH is to get tractors off the roadway.

I would believe you except to get the I-555 name they had to get a waiver to allow tractors between Marked Tree and Payneway.

No one wanted to pay for a frontage/service road across the sunken lands.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: bwana39 on November 24, 2020, 05:57:32 PM
Quote from: edwaleni on November 24, 2020, 09:58:51 AM
Quote from: bwana39 on November 22, 2020, 07:29:24 PM
It appears that part of the reasoning to convert it to IH is to get tractors off the roadway.

I would believe you except to get the I-555 name they had to get a waiver to allow tractors between Marked Tree and Payneway.

No one wanted to pay for a frontage/service road across the sunken lands.
https://vpiph01-i555-extension-hwy-49-hwy-91-jonesboro-ardot.hub.arcgis.com/ Select the presentation.
There may be a waiver, but ARDOT's presentation says point blank at the 4:11 mark "NO TRACTORS"
This is about the portion North of US-49. The Marked Tree to Paneway section is further south on a portion that had already been certified as I-555 years previously.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: edwaleni on November 25, 2020, 09:34:13 AM
Quote from: bwana39 on November 24, 2020, 05:57:32 PM
Quote from: edwaleni on November 24, 2020, 09:58:51 AM
Quote from: bwana39 on November 22, 2020, 07:29:24 PM
It appears that part of the reasoning to convert it to IH is to get tractors off the roadway.

I would believe you except to get the I-555 name they had to get a waiver to allow tractors between Marked Tree and Payneway.

No one wanted to pay for a frontage/service road across the sunken lands.
https://vpiph01-i555-extension-hwy-49-hwy-91-jonesboro-ardot.hub.arcgis.com/ Select the presentation.
There may be a waiver, but ARDOT's presentation says point blank at the 4:11 mark "NO TRACTORS"
This is about the portion North of US-49. The Marked Tree to Paneway section is further south on a portion that had already been certified as I-555 years previously.

Thanks, I thought you were referring to the entire route.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: Mapmikey on May 28, 2021, 09:27:28 PM
Arkansas Highway Commission approves I-555 extension to AR 91 pending FHWA approval.

See page 8 of the Dec 2020 minutes - https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Admin-Cir.-2021-02-Minutes-of-the-Dec.-9-AHC-Meeting.pdf
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: yakra on May 29, 2021, 09:28:19 PM
Mapmikey, where do you get your links to minute orders?
I've been going to https://www.ardot.gov/foi-freedom-of-information/minute-orders/ but it doesn't have anything as recent as what you just posted.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: Mapmikey on May 30, 2021, 05:06:11 PM
Quote from: yakra on May 29, 2021, 09:28:19 PM
Mapmikey, where do you get your links to minute orders?
I've been going to https://www.ardot.gov/foi-freedom-of-information/minute-orders/ but it doesn't have anything as recent as what you just posted.

https://www.ardot.gov/administration/arkansas-state-highway-minute-orders/

Is behind a couple months (Feb 2021 most recent) but otherwise has stuff back to 1953...
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 30, 2021, 05:32:42 PM
I saw this pop up and I thought I-55 was getting decommissioned.
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: MikieTimT on November 29, 2021, 02:58:14 PM
It's now officially designated to AR-91/Dan Ave.

Interstate 555 Designation in Jonesboro (https://www.ardot.gov/news/21-385/)
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: wdcrft63 on November 29, 2021, 06:17:57 PM
Quote from: MikieTimT on November 29, 2021, 02:58:14 PM
It's now officially designated to AR-91/Dan Ave.

Interstate 555 Designation in Jonesboro (https://www.ardot.gov/news/21-385/)
What are the chances I-555 will be extended to the projected I-57?
Title: Re: I-555 - Official End
Post by: Bobby5280 on November 30, 2021, 12:53:31 AM
Quote from: MikieTimTIt's now officially designated to AR-91/Dan Ave.

Funny thing: Google Earth has already applied the update. Visually it makes more sense for I-555 to extend NW that last bit to the edge of Jonesboro where the freeway ends.

Quote from: wdcrft63What are the chances I-555 will be extended to the projected I-57?

I think chances are slim, but not totally impossible. The problem is the obstacles North of the I-555/AR-91 exit. The road narrows to an undivided 4-lane facility closely flanked by properties. That would likely force an I-555 extension onto a new terrain path. The US-63 bypass around Bono is also problematic, mainly at its split with Bus-63 on the South side of Bono. North of that problem spot, a freeway upgrade of US-63 would be pretty easy.

The other bigger problem is Arkansas already has too many irons in the fire with regard to other Interstate corridors. Finishing I-57 and I-49 are bigger priorities. Perhaps if Missouri was more aggressive at upgrading US-60 to Interstate standards from Springfield to Sikeston that might give Arkansas more of a reason to upgrade the US-63 corridor from Jonesboro to Walnut Ridge and up to Mammoth Spring at the border. US-63 in Missouri from Thayer up to West Plains has upgrade potential. But I think that hinges on US-60 being Interstate quality across Southern Missouri first. If such a larger scale upgrade of US-63 from Jonesboro up to West Plains were to happen the I-555 designation might be dropped in favor of a 2 digit designation.