Add an additional lane to I-49 for smoother commutes between exits 88 & 91
The Issue
Every weekday morning, I leave my home between 7:00 and 7:15 a.m. to head to work in Bentonville, Arkansas. What used to be a brisk 30-minute drive has now gradually stretched into a frustrating 45 minutes to an hour, and on some unfortunate days, even longer. This isn't just my story; it's the shared experience of countless commuters across Northwest Arkansas. For many of us, this commute eats into valuable personal and professional time, saps our energy, and burdens our day with stress that could easily be alleviated.
The stretch of I-49 between exits 91 and 88 has become a notorious bottleneck. During rush hour, traffic is squeezed from four lanes into just two southbound lanes, precisely at the top of a large hill. The design of this segment comes with low visibility caused by the median wall, which, coupled with sun glare during key commuting hours, makes merging a dangerous and frustrating experience. These factors combine to create a perfect storm of congestion and delay that not only affects residents but also hampers regional commerce.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) must prioritize an urgent expansion of I-49 to include an additional lane both northbound and southbound. This is not just a call for convenience but a necessary move to ensure the safety and efficiency of travel in one of Arkansas's fastest-growing regions. With the population rise in Northwest Arkansas, it is crucial that our infrastructure expands accordingly.
Statistics reveal that traffic congestion not only wastes time but also costs the economy millions annually in lost productivity. Enhanced road capacity can alleviate these issues, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents. By adding a lane, we can reduce this choke point, decrease travel times, and improve road safety.
I urge ARDOT to recognize the pressing need for this modification. With actionable solutions such as this expansion, we can transform our community’s commute from a daily ordeal into a seamless journey. Please sign this petition to demand better infrastructure, ensuring that our roads are equipped to handle current and future traffic demands effectively.
59
The Issue
Every weekday morning, I leave my home between 7:00 and 7:15 a.m. to head to work in Bentonville, Arkansas. What used to be a brisk 30-minute drive has now gradually stretched into a frustrating 45 minutes to an hour, and on some unfortunate days, even longer. This isn't just my story; it's the shared experience of countless commuters across Northwest Arkansas. For many of us, this commute eats into valuable personal and professional time, saps our energy, and burdens our day with stress that could easily be alleviated.
The stretch of I-49 between exits 91 and 88 has become a notorious bottleneck. During rush hour, traffic is squeezed from four lanes into just two southbound lanes, precisely at the top of a large hill. The design of this segment comes with low visibility caused by the median wall, which, coupled with sun glare during key commuting hours, makes merging a dangerous and frustrating experience. These factors combine to create a perfect storm of congestion and delay that not only affects residents but also hampers regional commerce.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) must prioritize an urgent expansion of I-49 to include an additional lane both northbound and southbound. This is not just a call for convenience but a necessary move to ensure the safety and efficiency of travel in one of Arkansas's fastest-growing regions. With the population rise in Northwest Arkansas, it is crucial that our infrastructure expands accordingly.
Statistics reveal that traffic congestion not only wastes time but also costs the economy millions annually in lost productivity. Enhanced road capacity can alleviate these issues, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents. By adding a lane, we can reduce this choke point, decrease travel times, and improve road safety.
I urge ARDOT to recognize the pressing need for this modification. With actionable solutions such as this expansion, we can transform our community’s commute from a daily ordeal into a seamless journey. Please sign this petition to demand better infrastructure, ensuring that our roads are equipped to handle current and future traffic demands effectively.
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on August 25, 2026