]Lots of (interstate) highways Arkansas has plans for
1. There's I-69 between El Dorado, Monticello, and Arkansas City if not the Mississippi River bridge (and a possible I-530 extension to Monticello sometime after or with it).
Louisiana and Mississippi have to do their parts to support it in their states, they just don't have the funding
2. There's I-49 between Texarkana and Fort Smith (they only just finished the Bella Vista bypass last year if not months ago)
3. There's also I-57 between Little Rock Walnut Ridge, and Pocahontas (iirc).
Much like Louisiana and Mississippi with I-69; Missouri would also have to do their part to support I-57 in their state too, also no funding AFAIK.
4. And finally and the most interesting US-412 (and the AR-612 bypass) between NWA and the OK state line.
UPDATE: And eventually future I-42 (adding another proposed interstate to Arkansas).
Where as the aforementioned I-49 is the north-south highway in NWA, US-412 is the east-west highway there, and it leaves a lot to be desired within NWA.
Like there needs to be a bypass around Springdale like they were considering at one point.
Ther also needs to be a expressway at Siloam Springs and west of said Springdale.
And then go on from there assuming the bypass and expressways are finished (if ever).
Potential to connect NWA to Tulsa with interstate standards too, which is one of if not the main selling point
1. I don't see 69 happening in my lifetime
2. I-49 gap is quite the same. More doable/evident need
3. Arkansas' part will get done. The reasoning is strange to me, but there's money/power there.
4. I agree. The 412 interstate is probably the next "newly approved" interstate in Arkansas. The Siloam bypass has a need (I hate the six lane expressway in the "college" town). The Springdale bypass has ROW bought. I have a feeling the Western part to 49 will be done in the (relatively) near future with the connection to the new interstate, but oddly there has been movement to construct a section east of 49 (build bridges on 49 for the bypass main lanes).
If I were Arkansas, I would concentrate on completing the Interstate 49 and future Interstate 57 corridors. The US 412 Interstate Upgrade should be more of a priority for Oklahoma (given the majority of the route is within that state), and the construction of Interstate 69 within the state of Arkansas will likely happen very gradually (probably at least 50 years if not longer).
US-412 in Arkansas only really has 11 miles between the western end of the Springdale Northern Bypass and where a likely northern Siloam Springs Bypass splits off where it bends to the left to enter Siloam Springs. And in between there's really only 4-5 exits that a conversion to limited access of the current facility would really warrant along with some short access roads what with a large portion of the southern border of the ROW being Ozark National Forest. With Tyson, J.B. Hunt, and Walmart all having substantial trucking fleets that use US-412 extensively, it has the commercial priority over most of the other roads in the state being that all are Fortune 500 companies.
I can see the US-412 upgrade being knocked out shortly after I-49 is extended from Alma to Barling across the Arkansas River and I-40 with the stack completed with I-40, which is starting with vegetation grubbing before more concrete dirtwork begins in a couple of years according to the 2023-2026 STIP. Further south of Ft. Smith from the south end of AR-549 to Y-City will get a Super-2 long before anything else is done from Y-City to Texarkana, with the exception of perhaps Super-2 bypasses of Mena and DeQueen. That would make trips to Hot Springs from Ft. Smith/NWA much quicker even with 2 lanes of appropriate geometries. But none of that has funding in the 2023-2026 STIP, so we'll have to wait a couple of years for the next STIP to come out to see if there's any hope of movement on any of that. That's just how Arkansas does interstate building in this era. They'll do portions that serve local interests along with ROW acquisition until funds become available to knock out the other carriageway.
I-57 is starting in Arkansas with a Corning Bypass, but that's all that's programmed before 2026 at this point for actual construction. It could be the first of the interstates actually completed as the terrain isn't particularly challenging, other than building up the roadbed above the floodplain between the Current and Black Rivers to keep it from being flooded out every 10-15 years.
I-69 will only get lip service for the forseeable future with a couple of Super-2 bypasses and connectors. South Arkansas would rather see US-82 upgrades or actual road maintenance to the highways there that have been pounded mightily by logging trucks. Hydroplaning during rains is the biggest threat down there as most of the roads won't drain off with the standing water that runs in the "ruts" parallel to the centerline. Arkansas likes to build highways. It doesn't like maintaining them nearly as much.
EDIT:
The PEL meeting today in Siloam Springs for the project pretty much quashed any hope of anything with US-412 happening this decade in Arkansas other than the completion of the Springdale Northern Bypass western leg and XNA connector, barring any miraculous earmark manna from heaven. I-49, I-57, and probably a dozen projects around Little Rock will take most of the funds for the next decade other than passing zones, perhaps a Super-2 Bypass or two of some southern towns along I-49/I-69, and maybe Harrison, God willing.
So apparently US-412/AR-612 will be I-42 eventually.
Oklahoma started the process to sign US-412 as I-42 last month:
https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/odot/transportation-commision/agenda/2023/tc_agenda-202309-r.pdf
https://www.5newsonline.com/article/traffic/ardot-highway-412-interstate/527-1842ce29-49ec-4044-8082-db3b5097f0a8
https://www.fox23.com/news/busy-tulsa-highway-could-become-oklahomas-newest-interstate/article_661988ba-6e11-11ee-9104-373d5129f7a5.html
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=29375.825
EDIT: also from the thread in Central States
Quote from: splashflash on October 21, 2023, 01:26:32 AM
Quote from: MikieTimT on October 19, 2023, 08:49:34 PM
Any northern bypass will go past Gentry, so unless they do new terrain along AR-264/AR-12 with the facility taking a northern turn just past the XNA connector from the looks of it.
A northern bypass could perhaps wrap in as a western access to the XNA airport, with a soon-to-be connector from the east and also the south (AR-612 extension), no? Maybe the airport authority could pitch western access and include funding.
https://www.eagleobserver.com/news/2022/jul/06/new-access-road-to-northwest-arkansas-national/
(https://wehco.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/imports/adg/photos/201688174_061622-NW-XNA-ROAD_t800.jpg?90232451fbcadccc64a17de7521d859a8f88077d)
Quote from: TheBox on October 27, 2023, 01:09:14 PM
So apparently US-412/AR-612 will be I-42 eventually.
Oklahoma started the process to sign US-412 as I-42 last month:
Where have you been? I broke this story to this forum on September 11 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=29375.msg2868381#msg2868381).
Quote from: bugo on October 27, 2023, 01:59:05 PM
Quote from: TheBox on October 27, 2023, 01:09:14 PM
So apparently US-412/AR-612 will be I-42 eventually.
Oklahoma started the process to sign US-412 as I-42 last month:
Where have you been? I broke this story to this forum on September 11 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=29375.msg2868381#msg2868381).
just spreading the news on the Mid-South forum
Quote from: bugo on October 27, 2023, 01:59:05 PM
Quote from: TheBox on October 27, 2023, 01:09:14 PM
So apparently US-412/AR-612 will be I-42 eventually.
Oklahoma started the process to sign US-412 as I-42 last month:
Where have you been? I broke this story to this forum on September 11 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=29375.msg2868381#msg2868381).
This commission meeting was the first published notice on Arkansas' side of the border, so it wasn't evident that there was a consensus on the part of both DOTs. Oh well, time to change the avatar as the dream of I-50 just died.
Quote from: MikieTimT on October 27, 2023, 02:45:48 PM
This commission meeting was the first published notice on Arkansas' side of the border, so it wasn't evident that there was a consensus on the part of both DOTs. Oh well, time to change the avatar as the dream of I-50 just died.
Still a chance for an I-50 with the Kentucky Parkways.
Kentucky's Parkways are getting other numbers, so I think the Interstate 50 designation has about as much of a chance at being implemented as an Interstate 60 being designated.
ARDOT reviewing 3 bids for western leg of Springdale Northern Bypass (https://www.4029tv.com/article/bids-open-to-build-next-phase-of-northern-springdale-bypass/45727996)
Next phase beginning next year to complete in 2026. Part of the eventual US-412 conversion to I-42.
So the next phase of constructing the Northern Springdale Bypass is construction of the bypass from the western terminus at US 412 (and possibly the eastern terminus of a Siloam Springs Bypass) eastward to AR 112, and from Interstate 49 eastward to AR 265. Do I have that information correct?
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on November 03, 2023, 06:40:25 PM
So the next phase of constructing the Northern Springdale Bypass is construction of the bypass from the western terminus at US 412 (and possibly the eastern terminus of a Siloam Springs Bypass) eastward to AR 112, and from Interstate 49 eastward to AR 265. Do I have that information correct?
Yeah. West from the partial interchange at 112 to JUST west of Tonitown.
They are connecting the western end of the Springdale Northern Bypass to the current US-412 divided portion just west of the Old Highway 68 intersection. There's nothing concrete whatsoever yet regarding a Siloam Springs Bypass. I'd expect alternatives for that in the next public meeting in Mar/Apr next year as well as alternatives for the route between the bypasses, but my money is on converting the existing divided highway to limited access.
You can see how it ties into the current US-412 west of Tontitown at https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/001966_DPH_Exhibit-01.pdf (https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/001966_DPH_Exhibit-01.pdf)
More detailed look at the XNA access from the Springdale Bypass
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51284231506_da946c9fcf_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53308354668_6a96985f02_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53314099145_d1b9b7bf03_b.jpg)
Maybe the XNA will be signed as Airport Blvd., like the existing roadway from AR 264 northward into the airport. What was the now-demolished building seen in this May 2009 Street View Image?: https://www.google.com/maps/@36.2573063,-94.2927348,3a,75y,181.73h,93.24t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sIo-sDIxfhHrHl6uHyhmyZw!2e0!5s20090501T000000!7i3328!8i1664?entry=ttu.
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on November 09, 2023, 07:27:54 PM
Maybe the XNA will be signed as Airport Blvd., like the existing roadway from AR 264 northward into the airport. What was the now-demolished building seen in this May 2009 Street View Image?: https://www.google.com/maps/@36.2573063,-94.2927348,3a,75y,181.73h,93.24t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sIo-sDIxfhHrHl6uHyhmyZw!2e0!5s20090501T000000!7i3328!8i1664?entry=ttu.
It was a western wear store out in the sticks, but has been closed longer than the airport has been there, shockingly. It's demolition was long overdue.
Arkansas Department of Transportation approves $180.8M bid to extend Springdale Northern Bypass (https://talkbusiness.net/2023/12/arkansas-department-of-transportation-approves-180-8m-bid-to-extend-springdale-northern-bypass/)
Wiley said construction on the second phase of Highway 612 should start in spring or early summer. Emery Sapp & Sons expects to complete the 6.9-mile project in 833 days, or about 28 months. Based on that projection, completion would be by 2027 if work starts by summer. The interstate-style, four-lane freeway will include 16 bridges and three interchanges, including one for the connector leading to Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA). The second phase of Highway 612 will have one more bridge and interchange than the first.
I would be interested in how the AR 612 (future US 412) Springdale Northern Bypass would connect with a proposed Siloam Springs Bypass, but I understand that it is way too soon to find out the answer to that question.
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on December 18, 2023, 07:59:38 PM
I would be interested in how the AR 612 (future US 412) Springdale Northern Bypass would connect with a proposed Siloam Springs Bypass, but I understand that it is way too soon to find out the answer to that question.
The next step of the PEL will result in the 3rd public involvement meetings for both Oklahoma and Arkansas, scheduled for the spring, so by the April/May meeting we should have the initial set of alternatives made public.
The current US 412 from Siloam Springs to Tontitown will likely be converted into a freeway. It is a nice expressway that isn't all that old.
Quote from: bugo on December 19, 2023, 01:51:42 AM
The current US 412 from Siloam Springs to Tontitown will likely be converted into a freeway. It is a nice expressway that isn't all that old.
The original plan is for the bypass to simply be integrated with the existing 4 lane just east of the Old State Route 68 intersection with ramps for old US-412 (Henri de Tonti Blvd) going east and Old 68 going west.
Now that I-42 is in play, its a decision to remove the grade level intersections on US-412 to Siloam Springs or go new route.
IMHO, I think they will convert US-412 to an full interstate from Old 68 to Gum Springs Road and then look for a new route south of SS to connect with the Oklahoma route. But that's just my opinion.
The current US-412 in SS will be called Business I-42 or something like that through to the OK/AR border depending where OK wants to cross.
As I noted in another thread, I think the new ground route will follow the AEP 200kV ROW south of town, but anything is possible at this point.
Quote from: edwaleni on December 19, 2023, 10:10:48 AM
Quote from: bugo on December 19, 2023, 01:51:42 AM
The current US 412 from Siloam Springs to Tontitown will likely be converted into a freeway. It is a nice expressway that isn't all that old.
The original plan is for the bypass to simply be integrated with the existing 4 lane just east of the Old State Route 68 intersection with ramps for old US-412 (Henri de Tonti Blvd) going east and Old 68 going west.
Now that I-42 is in play, its a decision to remove the grade level intersections on US-412 to Siloam Springs or go new route.
IMHO, I think they will convert US-412 to an full interstate from Old 68 to Gum Springs Road and then look for a new route south of SS to connect with the Oklahoma route. But that's just my opinion.
The current US-412 in SS will be called Business I-42 or something like that through to the OK/AR border depending where OK wants to cross.
As I noted in another thread, I think the new ground route will follow the AEP 200kV ROW south of town, but anything is possible at this point.
It definitely isn't going to be I-42 due to the withdrawal by ODOT and ARDOT of the submission since there was concern regarding the duplication of I-42 in North Carolina, so it'll be another 2DI of some sort. I had the confirmation from ARDOT posted in this thread, but someone took the liberty of moving it to the Central forum and broke my cross-posting link, so let's try this from the other direction and see if the moderator will let be this time:
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=29375.msg2891799#msg2891799 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=29375.msg2891799#msg2891799)
It likely won't be BL 46/48/50, it will probably be US 412B. Arkansas hasn't signed a Business Loop since BL 30 along University, Asher, Roosevelt Rd, Broadway (LR), Broadway (NLR). There was also a BL 30 in Benton, but not a lot is known about it.
Maybe old 412 through Siloam Springs and Springdale could be signed as Alternate US 412, like the former 412 alignment that was bypassed by the Cherokee Turnpike.
Arkansas doesn't do alternative routes. It will likely be US 412B.
Quote from: bugo on December 19, 2023, 04:38:30 PM
Arkansas doesn't do alternative routes. It will likely be US 412B.
Or just be US-412 once the new Interstate bypasses it. Just like US-71 in Bella Vista.
I doubt the route through Springdale will remain part of US 412, it likely will become US 412B (although I wouldn't object to US 412 and AR 612 swapping places when the Springdale Northern Bypass is completed, which I know would never happen). Also, the future Interstate designation is planned to end at Interstate 49, and not at the future eastern terminus of the Springdale Northern Bypass. Although I would want the future Interstate to end at that future eastern terminus, it is likely set in stone that it will go no further east than Interstate 49.
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on December 19, 2023, 05:43:35 PM
I doubt the route through Springdale will remain part of US 412, it likely will become US 412B (although I wouldn't object to US 412 and AR 612 swapping places when the Springdale Northern Bypass is completed, which I know would never happen). Also, the future Interstate designation is planned to end at Interstate 49, and not at the future eastern terminus of the Springdale Northern Bypass. Although I would want the future Interstate to end at that future eastern terminus, it is likely set in stone that it will go no further east than Interstate 49.
Until the Springdale Northern Bypass is completed back past Sonora, the current route remains US-412 for sure. The ball is rolling for the next 2 segments east of I-49 at least, but we're likely 10 years out from this being a thing.
With the growth in that area a Bypass should be on the books. I Don't know why ARDOT Has no interest in accelerating this since this is the biggest economic hub in the State, IMO. Better planning might get more corporations like Amazon to set up offices and DC's in that area. A lack of planning will prevent that... Ask the residents of West Memphis and Jonesboro
Quote from: Tomahawkin on December 19, 2023, 07:29:03 PM
With the growth in that area a Bypass should be on the books. I Don't know why ARDOT Has no interest in accelerating this since this is the biggest economic hub in the State, IMO. Better planning might get more corporations like Amazon to set up offices and DC's in that area. A lack of planning will prevent that... Ask the residents of West Memphis and Jonesboro
It would be kind of interesting for Amazon to paste their name on a new multi-story office building at the junction of I-49 and the Bypass.
Every day some WM exec has to drive by and look at it.
Even better for Amazon to sign a long term rent on a electric billboard next door that espouses its recent accomplishments.
I am not a big Amazon fan personally, but I also don't have a great deal of love of WalMart either. They have nearly destroyed the local small downtowns with the building of one supercenter on the outskirts of many towns.
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on December 19, 2023, 02:36:39 PM
Maybe old 412 through Siloam Springs and Springdale could be signed as Alternate US 412, like the former 412 alignment that was bypassed by the Cherokee Turnpike.
Arkansas does not do alternate routes. It will sign old 412 through the towns as Business 412 (or in Arkansas style, 412B). In between, I think 312 (the old convention) for the old route is taken so maybe AR 512?.
Quote from: Road Hog on December 20, 2023, 03:19:44 AM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on December 19, 2023, 02:36:39 PM
Maybe old 412 through Siloam Springs and Springdale could be signed as Alternate US 412, like the former 412 alignment that was bypassed by the Cherokee Turnpike.
Arkansas does not do alternate routes. It will sign old 412 through the towns as Business 412 (or in Arkansas style, 412B). In between, I think 312 (the old convention) for the old route is taken so maybe AR 512?.
The bypass will remain AR-612 in all its segments until it becomes US-412 and the current facility becomes US-412 Business upon completion of the Springdale Northern Bypass. What remains to be seen is what comes first, I-XX on the western portion concurrent with AR-612, or the Springdale Northern Bypass completion. My guess is that the Springdale Northern Bypass is completed long before a Siloam Springs Bypass happens, so likely the latter.
OT, how much is left to do on US 412 between Tontitown and Tulsa before it is a full Freeway? I haven't been through there in 20 years...
Quote from: Tomahawkin on December 20, 2023, 09:49:10 AM
OT, how much is left to do on US 412 between Tontitown and Tulsa before it is a full Freeway? I haven't been through there in 20 years...
The biggest roadblock is a Siloam Springs bypass. Once into OK, the Cherokee Turnpike will get you to near Chouteau. The rest could easily be upgraded to interstate standards
Plenty of upgrades are needed along this corridor before this corridor is up to full freeway standards. Between Interstate 44/OK 364 and the western end of the Cherokee Turnpike, US 412 has plenty of at-grade intersections, which would need to be grade-separated or cul-du-saced to bring the roadway up to freeway standards. There are already interchanges at OK 88 and US 69, and more will likely follow in the future. Also, off the end of the Cherokee Turnpike, the construction of a Siloam Springs Bypass, and the completion of the Springdale Northern Bypass would be required to make the Tulsa-Tontitown corridor a full freeway/tollway. US 412 west of Tulsa has it easier, as it only needs to be brought up to Interstate Standards and the only remaining at-grade intersection is at Diamond Head Dr., as mentioned before.
Quote from: The GhostbusterBetween Interstate 44/OK 364 and the western end of the Cherokee Turnpike, US 412 has plenty of at-grade intersections, which would need to be grade-separated or cul-du-saced to bring the roadway up to freeway standards.
On the bright side, that portion of US-412 would be easy to upgrade (at least in terms of geometry). Six intersections (S4115 Rd, N 289th E Ave, SH-412P, S 4160 Rd, Gregory School Road, S 4240 Rd) already have big spreads of ROW reserved for future exit ramps. The other roads crossing at-grade could either get full exits with slip ramps, only bridged over the highway or cul-de-sacked into dead ends at the highway.
The Siloam Springs situation is kind of a mess, one that's only going to get worse the longer ODOT and AR DOT take to get started on a bypass. That region is growing after all.
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on December 20, 2023, 11:07:04 AM
US 412 west of Tulsa has it easier, as it only needs to be brought up to Interstate Standards and the only remaining at-grade intersection is at Diamond Head Dr., as mentioned before.
And hasn't it already been cable-barriered,
à la I-44? Or are there any remaining grass-hump median sections?
The Sand Springs Expressway has a cable barrier on the portions of the road that have a grassy median. Substantial portions of the expressway need a lot of work on shoulders and ramps (and the main lanes in some locations). The portion in Shady Grove (on the West side of the Arkansas River) needs a lot of work.
The Cimarron Turnpike still has a couple spots of narrow grassy median (and no interior left shoulders) just West of the Stillwater Spur.
Quote from: Bobby5280 on December 20, 2023, 11:52:16 AM
Quote from: The GhostbusterBetween Interstate 44/OK 364 and the western end of the Cherokee Turnpike, US 412 has plenty of at-grade intersections, which would need to be grade-separated or cul-du-saced to bring the roadway up to freeway standards.
On the bright side, that portion of US-412 would be easy to upgrade (at least in terms of geometry). Six intersections (S4115 Rd, N 289th E Ave, SH-412P, S 4160 Rd, Gregory School Road, S 4240 Rd) already have big spreads of ROW reserved for future exit ramps. The other roads crossing at-grade could either get full exits with slip ramps, only bridged over the highway or cul-de-sacked into dead ends at the highway.
The Siloam Springs situation is kind of a mess, one that's only going to get worse the longer ODOT and AR DOT take to get started on a bypass. That region is growing after all.
It would have been less of a mess if it had been bypassed to the north 16 years ago instead of 6 laning Siloam Springs. There was just too much local pushback to a bypass back then, and now the chickens have come in to roost. Now, unless they get ROW secured on the north side of town within a couple of years, it's going to wind up going up almost to Gentry or through the hollows into the Illinois River bottoms to the south. Siloam Springs is the value property value in NWA now, so anything more than 3 years to secure ROW will wind up north of Lake Siloam Springs with anything on the north side of Siloam Springs. If you look at a topographic map of the Siloam Springs area, you'll see what I mean. It's gnarly to push a road south of Siloam Springs with lots of earthwork.
I think they've already missed the boat for a bypass option going North around Siloam Springs. Existing housing and more than a dozen new housing development projects are blocking any path for at least 3 or more miles North of US-412. There is less development South of the US-412 corridor, but the terrain is a little rougher and more covered with trees.
I'm starting to wonder if they're going to be stuck having to build a new freeway along US-412 straight thru Siloam Springs.
Upgrading US-412 to Interstate quality thru Siloam Springs would be highly disruptive. It would require demolishing nearly all the properties along one side of the existing road. But virtually all of those properties are commercial businesses and the majority of those businesses look like major company chain stores or chain restaurants. Such things can be built pretty easily.
Removing a bunch of chain stores is not like kicking a family out of its home via eminent domain, giving them "fair market value" for their house and letting them suffer trying to find something comparable to what they had that doesn't cost far more than their old house. Commercial businesses might actually welcome the upgraded frontage.
Quote from: Bobby5280 on December 20, 2023, 03:21:08 PM
I think they've already missed the boat for a bypass option going North around Siloam Springs. Existing housing and more than a dozen new housing development projects are blocking any path for at least 3 or more miles North of US-412. There is less development South of the US-412 corridor, but the terrain is a little rougher and more covered with trees.
I'm starting to wonder if they're going to be stuck having to build a new freeway along US-412 straight thru Siloam Springs.
Upgrading US-412 to Interstate quality thru Siloam Springs would be highly disruptive. It would require demolishing nearly all the properties along one side of the existing road. But virtually all of those properties are commercial businesses and the majority of those businesses look like major company chain stores or chain restaurants. Such things can be built pretty easily.
Removing a bunch of chain stores is not like kicking a family out of its home via eminent domain, giving them "fair market value" for their house and letting them suffer trying to find something comparable to what they had that doesn't cost far more than their old house. Commercial businesses might actually welcome the upgraded frontage.
That's likely the conundrum the engineers are facing right now coming up with the alternatives for the Mar/Apr public meeting. I don't envy their job right now. Whatever alternative is ultimately selected, it'll be 3 times the cost and twice as far out as the 3 alternatives they didn't select rather than the stupid short-sighted 6 laning they did back in '04. Think of how much easier this all would be right now in an alternate reality where ANY of the other alternatives were selected, LIKE CORRIDOR B (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=29375.msg2685205#msg2685205).
One possible "less painful" scenario: a
hybrid approach of upgrading along the existing US-412 ROW across the OK/AR state line to the S Lincoln Street (AR-59) interchange. Rather than sticking with the S-Curve US-412 takes from that point the new Interstate could continue more Eastward on a new terrain path. The ROW would have to shift South a bit and take out some industrial properties to avoid hitting a new housing development. The freeway could follow somewhat parallel to Keck Road (CR-4). Then it could merge back into existing US-412 just East of the Illinois River crossing.
It may actually still just be easier upgrading along the existing US-412 ROW the entire way. Some of the businesses are actually pretty junky looking. Having the main commercial corridor upgraded to an Interstate with continuous frontage would give Siloam Springs a visual facelift. Not everyone likes the look of urban freeway designs, but the "main street" would be less cluttered looking than it is now.
Quote from: MikieTimTThink of how much easier this all would be right now in an alternate reality where ANY of the other alternatives were selected, LIKE CORRIDOR B.
Yeah, that Corridor B alternative is "toast" now. Corridors C-1 & C-2 still look somewhat possible.
Quote from: Bobby5280 on December 20, 2023, 09:43:20 PM
One possible "less painful" scenario: a hybrid approach of upgrading along the existing US-412 ROW across the OK/AR state line to the S Lincoln Street (AR-59) interchange. Rather than sticking with the S-Curve US-412 takes from that point the new Interstate could continue more Eastward on a new terrain path. The ROW would have to shift South a bit and take out some industrial properties to avoid hitting a new housing development. The freeway could follow somewhat parallel to Keck Road (CR-4). Then it could merge back into existing US-412 just East of the Illinois River crossing.
It may actually still just be easier upgrading along the existing US-412 ROW the entire way. Some of the businesses are actually pretty junky looking. Having the main commercial corridor upgraded to an Interstate with continuous frontage would give Siloam Springs a visual facelift. Not everyone likes the look of urban freeway designs, but the "main street" would be less cluttered looking than it is now.
Quote from: MikieTimTThink of how much easier this all would be right now in an alternate reality where ANY of the other alternatives were selected, LIKE CORRIDOR B.
Yeah, that Corridor B alternative is "toast" now. Corridors C-1 & C-2 still look somewhat possible.
Ship has already sailed on tying straight into the southern E/W leg of US-412 as there is a Rausch-Coleman subdivision south of Kenwood St. that is in the build-out process with probably 1/4 of the houses at or nearing completion. The next logical area for development will be along Kenwood St. to the east, making it all the more impossible to take that routing. Siloam Springs is undergoing a development boom still even with higher interest rates as the housing going up is more entry level, which still has great appeal in this economic environment. The land around Siloam Springs is flat and cheap, but that will likely change in 6-7 years with residential development continuing apace. The funds for ROW acquisition for whatever bypass are hopefully available sooner rather than later as property value inflation in that area isn't exactly stagnating.
Figured rather than duplicate here, would just post link to the other related thread.
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=21769.msg2913678#msg2913678 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=21769.msg2913678#msg2913678)