ARDOT holds groundbreaking ceremony for two major construction projects

Christina Randall
·2 min read

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Phase two of the Springdale Bypass and the XNA Connector kicked off Wednesday morning with a groundbreaking ceremony.

“The first part is the west end of the Springdale bypass which actually goes from [Highway] 612 over to west of Tontitown. And the second piece is the airport connector road which will be a long driveway straight up to the airport,” said Philip Taldo, commissioner on the Arkansas Highway Commission.

The two projects will work together to in an attempt to create a more accessible route to XNA.

“Will relieve a lot of pressure off of [Highway] 412 if you will from Tontitown through Springdale,” said Taldo.

“Anyone who travels Highway 412 in Springdale — you understand the need for this project to be completed,” said Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse.

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The Springdale Bypass is a four-lane, seven-mile stretch with interchanges along Highway 412 in Tontitown to the bypass at Highway 112. According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, the XNA Connector will include 11 bridges, an interchange, and a tie-in to Highway 264. Sprouse says these projects will help Northwest Arkansas keep up with the growing population.

“The world is coming to Northwest Arkansas. We are a big part of that, being Springdale right in the heart of Northwest Arkansas. And, we look forward to making further improvements and trying to stay ahead of the growth the best we can,” said Sprouse.

Crossland Construction Company will build the XNA Connector. Emery Sapp & Sons will work on phase two of the Springdale Bypass.

“We get to do the fun part. A lot of today was discussing what led to this point. We get to build it. So we bring the men and women who get to be boots on the ground and build the facility,” said Paul Arnold, executive vice president of Emery Sapp & Sons Construction.

There are four phases to the Springdale Bypass project. It’s estimated completion date is 2026. XNA Connector’s estimated completion date is 2027.

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