The NW AR Regional Planning Commission has once again applied for federal funding to complete a 4.8-mile segment of Interstate 49 in Missouri to the state line. The segment is the only portion of the 18.9-mile Arkansas/Missouri Connector, or the Bella Vista Bypass, that doesn’t have the needed funding identified to complete the project.

Fort Smith, AR-area residents had the opportunity to learn more about a proposed I-49 project Thursday during an ArDOT public involvement meeting to discuss 13.7-mile project between AR Hwy. 22 in Sebastian County to the Interstates 40/49 interchange in Crawford County.