With the state of Arkansas scaling down plans for a Bella Vista bypass, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commissions approved an upgrade of the U.S. 71 corridor between Kansas City and Joplin to interstate standards by the end of 2012.
The new roadway will be known as I-49.
“We need to capitalize on the opportunity to bring I-49 to Missouri between Kansas City and Joplin, but still work with Arkansas toward progress on the Bella Vista bypass,” said Rudy Farber, chairman of the commission, in a prepared statement.
Kevin Keith, interim director of the Missouri Department of Transportation, said the improvements between I-435 in Kansas City and I-44 in Joplin would enhance economic development for the area.
“We are excited about getting closer to a I-49 designation in Missouri,” he said.
Originally, Arkansas and Missouri were to work together on a four-lane bypass of Bella Vista, Ark., creating an interstate from Joplin to Fort Smith, Ark. However, recent correspondence from the Arkansas State Highway Commission indicated there were funding shortfalls, and it now intends to build a two-lane bypass in several phases over the next six years.
Once improvements between Kansas City and Joplin are complete, remaining funds will be used to begin construction of the Bella Vista bypass in coordination with Arkansas.
