On February 6, 2026, the Arkansas Department of Transportation announced it will receive an additional $105,534,000 in federal funding for six transportation projects across the state. The funding comes from Congressionally Directed Spending and Community Project Funding as part of the latest Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development appropriation for Federal Fiscal Year 2026.
The new funding is intended to support infrastructure improvements and address transportation needs throughout Arkansas. Members of Arkansas’ Congressional Delegation, including Senator John Boozman and Representatives Steve Womack, Bruce Westerman, and Rick Crawford, secured the funds. According to Boozman, “Modernizing and expanding key transportation corridors bolsters our economy and enhances safety (…) I was proud to champion these investments and appreciate ARDOT’s ongoing partnership to boost our state’s infrastructure capacity.”
According to Womack, “Building better roadways in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley remains one of my top priorities in Congress (…) These improvements will not only address current congestion challenges, but they will also support our region’s long-term economic growth. Thank you to ARDOT Director Jared Wiley for his leadership and commitment to seeing these projects through to completion.” Westerman said, “Our state’s infrastructure plays an important role in the safety of our communities – especially for our more rural areas (…) Together, they work hand-in-hand to foster the security of its residents and the growth of our local economies. It is a privilege to work on behalf of communities across the Fourth District to secure wins that ultimately invest in the future of our great state.”
Crawford said, “I was proud to secure $11 million for Highway 412 Corridor improvements and $6.734 million for the future I-57 project from Walnut Ridge to the Missouri state line in the FY 2026 appropriations bill for the Department of Transportation, which was just signed into law by President Trump (…) These dollars will improve our highways, boost safety, and support the roads our farmers, small businesses, and families rely on. I am committed to continuing to work with my colleagues in Congress to make sure Arkansas receives the necessary infrastructure investments required to support Arkansas’ outsized role in the U.S economy.”
The funding is allocated as follows: $59 million for Springdale Northern Bypass; $18.8 million for Future Interstate 49 from Alma to Barling; $11 million for Highway 412 corridor improvements; $7 million for Highway 82 railroad overpass; $6.7 million for Future Interstate 57 from Walnut Ridge to Missouri State Line; and $3 million for Highway 112 widening.
“We are grateful to Arkansas’ Congressional Delegation for their advocacy and support for ARDOT and our state’s infrastructure,” ARDOT Director Jared D. Wiley said. “Investing in our major highways and interstates ensures better connectivity and safety across our state and opens the door to more growth and economic development.” Philip Taldo, Chairman of the Arkansas Highway Commission added, “On behalf of the Arkansas Highway Commission, we want to say thank you to our Congressional Delegation for investing in Arkansas’ future (…) These six projects – which are improving and expanding major corridors – will have a lasting impact on transportation in our state.”
