Highway 112 is set to undergo a transformation that will enhance safety, improve connectivity and support sustainable transportation in Northwest Arkansas. These upgrades will create a more accessible and efficient corridor linking Fayetteville and Bentonville, addressing the region’s growing need for modern infrastructure and innovative transportation solutions.
The $25 million in federal funding secured through the RAISE program will make these groundbreaking improvements possible. The Northwest Arkansas Council supported the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission’s application for the grant by funding a required benefit-cost analysis. The analysis determined the project would generate $1.66 in public benefits for every $1 spent on construction and maintenance over 25 years.
“This project is a win for the entire region,” said Nelson Peacock, president and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council. “Highway 112’s transformation will improve safety, reduce travel times and create new opportunities for active transportation, helping Northwest Arkansas remain a great place to live and work.”
The Highway 112 project will convert the current two-lane roadway into a four-lane boulevard with a center median and more than 20 roundabouts, significantly reducing the frequency and severity of vehicle crashes.
The Highway 112 project includes a 12-foot-wide multi-use path designed to support alternative transportation options such as walking and cycling. Stretching the entire length of the corridor, the path will connect neighborhoods, schools and businesses, making it easier for residents and visitors to embrace active and sustainable modes of travel. This addition reflects the region’s commitment to developing a transportation network that meets the needs of all users while reducing environmental impact.
The project will also deliver environmental benefits by reducing carbon emissions through improved traffic flow and increasing the use of sustainable transportation options.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation will oversee the improvements, with construction on some segments expected to begin in 2025.
“We are committed to supporting federal grant applications that advance infrastructure projects in Northwest Arkansas,” Peacock said. “These investments are essential to our region’s growth and success.”
The RAISE grant is the latest example of how regional collaboration and strategic investments in infrastructure are helping Northwest Arkansas keep pace with its rapid growth and ensure long-term economic vitality.
