Fayetteville, Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) is set to host a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, November 6, marking the beginning of significant infrastructure improvements along the Highway 112 Corridor. The event, scheduled for 11 a.m. at the ARDOT Maintenance Office at 3518 Highway 112, will include ARDOT and Arkansas Highway Commission officials, elected representatives, and community and industry stakeholders. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and witness the start of a transformative project for the region.
This project is the first of eight planned improvements along Highway 112, aiming to widen 1.44 miles of the road from two lanes to four lanes between Truckers Drive and Howard Nickell Road in Fayetteville. In addition to expanding roadway capacity, the plan includes the construction of three roundabouts, two turnaround locations, and a pedestrian tunnel to improve safety and accessibility for all users.
“The Highway 112 Widening Project represents ARDOT’s commitment to improving safety and connectivity for all who use this corridor,” said ARDOT Director Jared D. Wiley. “The inclusion of roundabouts will enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion at key intersections. The new shared-use tunnel will provide a safe, inclusive crossing for cyclists and pedestrians.”
The project is a collaborative effort made possible through a partnership between the City of Fayetteville, the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission, and ARDOT. Once all eight phases are completed, Highway 112 will become an 18-mile four-lane roadway with a center median stretching from Fayetteville to Bentonville, providing a safer and more efficient travel route for residents and commuters throughout Northwest Arkansas.
The construction contract for this initial phase, valued at $43.9 million, was awarded to APAC-Central, Inc. of Fayetteville. The project team will oversee the widening of the road, installation of roundabouts, creation of safe turnaround points, and development of a pedestrian tunnel, all designed to enhance safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
Officials note that the roundabouts are expected to reduce congestion at high-traffic intersections, while the pedestrian tunnel will allow cyclists and walkers to cross the busy corridor safely, supporting Fayetteville’s vision for a more connected, multimodal transportation network. The project also reflects ARDOT’s broader commitment to modernizing the state’s roadways and improving traffic flow throughout rapidly growing regions.
Community and business leaders have expressed support for the improvements, emphasizing the long-term economic and safety benefits. By widening the road and improving infrastructure, the project aims to accommodate increasing traffic volumes, reduce travel delays, and enhance the overall driving experience along one of Northwest Arkansas’ key corridors.
The Highway 112 improvements are expected to be completed in stages, with ongoing construction ensuring minimal disruption while providing significant long-term benefits. Residents are encouraged to follow updates from ARDOT and local news outlets as work progresses and as future phases of the project begin to take shape.
With this groundbreaking, Highway 112 is poised to become a safer, more efficient, and more accessible corridor, connecting Fayetteville to Bentonville and supporting the region’s continued growth and development.
