Bella Vista Bypass

Benton County, Arkansas

Michael Baker is providing project management, construction management and inspection services for the construction of the Bella Vista Bypass; 6.4 miles of two-lane roadway with main lane, ramp and overpass bridge structures extending from U.S. Highway 71B to U.S. Highway 72 South in Benton County, Arkansas. A temporary two-lane roundabout also has been constructed to provide access and facilitate the flow of traffic to the bypass and Interstate 49 as construction is slated to begin on the interchange.

We are providing comprehensive construction management services for this project, including schedule monitoring, document control-system management, environmental and permit compliance monitoring, survey and control verification, review of contractor submittals and project closeout support. Our project management services include preparation of a comprehensive quality-management plan, construction schedule review and monthly progress reports.

The project includes the construction of six bridges, six reinforced box culvert structures, the extension of a 78-foot-wide reinforced concrete box culvert, and other drainage structures, and erosion control, fence and associated roadway work. The project consists of 6.6 million cubic yards earthwork and rockfill, 177,575 tons of cement stabilized and aggregate base courses, 30,690 tons of asphalt, and 118,478-square-yards of pavement.

When complete, the bypass will provide a direct connection to businesses and residents to the south and west of Bella Vista and improve overall transportation connectivity in northwest Arkansas.

The Bella Vista Bypass project is part of the $1.8 billion Connecting Arkansas Program (CAP), the largest highway construction program ever undertaken by the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT). The program funds 36 projects across the state, with the goal of improving connectivity, increasing capacity and easing congestion.