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By Suzanne Rhodes Bella Vista City Guide Bye bypass, hello Interstate. at's right, the Bella Vista Bypass is now officially known as Interstate 49, and this is welcome news for drivers traveling in and through Northwest Arkansas. e route, Arkansas 549 from U.S. 71 to Benton County Road 34, became part of the interstate on November 10, 2021 when the designation was formally announced by the Arkansas Highway Commission. Also added to Interstate 49 was the newly constructed segment of the bypass between Benton County Road 34 and the Missouri border. e first discussions of a Missouri-Arkansas highway connection began 31 years ago, but there were "no plans to reroute the highway around Bella Vista," as stated by Roger Almond with the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department in 1990. Over time, population and economic growth in the region convinced planners that a Bella Vista Bypass was essential, and in February 2011 construction began of the 19-mile, four-lane bypass, requiring six projects and a cost of over $220 million. Regional planners estimate the road will remove up to 10,000 cars a day off U.S. 71 through Bella Vista. Bella Vista Mayor Peter Christie sees significant benefits to city residents. "e opening of the Bella Vista Bypass to fully connect the already existing interstate to the state line was a monumental day for both the state and our city. Our residents on the west side were already seeing an advantage of using the open section of highway to travel south, which cut travel times nearly in half for some. But now, residents throughout the entire city see a noticeable decrease in traffic congestion along U.S. 71 in the central part of our city. While we don't anticipate a decrease in revenue to any businesses along the way – as those who were traveling through prior to the highway's opening weren't stopping anyway – we are happy to see a decrease in the day-to- day commute time and mere frustration of those who live here." Traffic counts from the Arkansas Transportation Department show 22,000 vehicles traveling each day through Bella Vista on U.S. 71 near the Missouri state line, with tractor-trailers comprising around 18% of the vehicles. ose trucks will likely choose I-49, according to experts. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson noted that the highway will "be a lot safer. Yes, it's going to be more convenient. But I guarantee it'll also drive the economy of both our states because it'll be the opportunity, and you will see business follow this interstate." As pointed out recently in a Northwest Arkansas Democrat- Gazette editorial, "Far as we can see, establishing a faster and more efficient connection between the growing economies of northwest Arkansas and southwest Missouri is a net win for everyone involved." Interstate connection means less congestion and driving time for residents NWA Democrat-Gazette/Flip Putthoff The Bella Vista Bypass makes for faster trips to destinations in southwest Missouri, such as the Elk River and Big Sugar Creek State Park. 22 | 2022 Bella vista city guide www.shelterinsurance.com 2. Is there a Shelter agent working for you? We're your Shield. We're your Shelter. ShelterInsurance.com AUTO • HOME • LIFE ® Ryan Webb 1955 Ott Memorial Dr. Conway, AR 72032 501-329-3333 RWebb@ShelterInsurance.com 3. Ryan Webb 1955 Ott Memorial Dr. Conway, AR 72032 501-329-3333 RWebb@ShelterInsurance.com Is there a Shelter agent working for you? Is there a Shelter agent working for you? Ryan Webb Conway, AR 72032 501-329-3333 ® Set an appointment and arrange for a free insurance review today. We're your Shield. We're your Shelter. We're your Shield. We're your Shelter. ® Set an appointment and arrange for a free insurance review today. *This ad limited to only 3 lines of personalization. A Shelter Insurance ® Agent is the ally you need to work through the complicated world of insurance. We have the experience and tools to help you make informed decisions and could save you money. Call for an appointment and arrange for a free insurance protection review today. 10-2019 2. Is there a Shelter agent working for you? We're your Shield. We're your Shelter. ShelterInsurance.com AUTO • HOME • LIFE ® 3. Ryan Webb 1955 Ott Memorial Dr. Conway, AR 72032 501-329-3333 RWebb@ShelterInsurance.com Is there a Shelter agent working for you? Is there a Shelter agent working for you? Ryan Webb Conway, AR 72032 501-329-3333 ® Set an appointment and arrange for a free insurance review today. We're your Shield. We're your Shelter. We're your Shield. We're your Shelter. ® Set an appointment and arrange for a free insurance review today. *This ad limited to only 3 lines of personalization. Scott Comiskey 3188 Bella Vista Way Bella Vista, AR 72714 479-855-7774 SComiskey@ShelterInsurance.com