Fayetteville, Arkansas – A significant shift in traffic flow is on the way for drivers navigating Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and South Futrall Drive in Fayetteville. Beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, April 29—weather permitting—a new permanent traffic pattern will take effect as part of ongoing improvements tied to the MLK Boulevard Interchange project.
The changes are being implemented to support the construction of a new traffic lane that, once completed, will allow motorists to move from South Futrall Drive to South Shiloh Drive without needing to pass through any signalized intersections. The long-term goal is to ease congestion and improve traffic efficiency on this busy corridor.
“This project is designed to create smoother, uninterrupted connections in this area, which has seen steady growth in traffic volume,” project officials noted.
Once the new pattern is in place, westbound drivers on MLK Boulevard will no longer be able to make a left turn onto South Futrall Drive. Similarly, eastbound traffic will be restricted from making a right turn onto South Futrall Drive. This change may require drivers to plan alternative routes, especially those who frequently use these access points.
In addition to the new turning restrictions, South Futrall Drive—just south of MLK Boulevard—will be permanently striped and designated as a northbound-only route. Signage will be updated accordingly to guide motorists through the new configuration. It’s worth noting that the current layout of the northbound off-ramp at MLK Boulevard will remain unchanged for the time being.
This latest adjustment is just one part of the broader MLK Boulevard Interchange project, a multi-phase effort aimed at enhancing roadway infrastructure and traffic management in Fayetteville.
Residents and commuters are encouraged to stay informed on the latest traffic updates by visiting IDriveArkansas.com or the Arkansas Department of Transportation website. These platforms provide real-time information about closures, detours, and progress on transportation projects across the state.
As always, drivers are urged to use caution and stay alert when traveling through construction zones.
City officials thank the public for their patience, with a reminder that “improvements like these take time, but they’re all part of building a better and safer Fayetteville.”
