Earlier this month the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) announced the official designation of U.S. Highway 67 between Little Rock and Walnut Ridge as Interstate 57. It has taken many years of hard work and collaboration to reach this point, and the celebration of such a great achievement reflected just that. 

This development is another exciting milestone as we continue to improve and modernize our state’s transportation infrastructure. Enhancements of this caliber are especially encouraging indicators of Arkansas’s progress in increasing the quality and quantity of interstate-grade corridors. This is a high priority for local, regional, state and federal leaders because we know the presence of high-volume infrastructure directly bolsters economic development and ultimately helps raise the standard of living. 

In recent years, we’ve taken major strides in the effort to better connect our state with the rest of the country.

In Congress, I am proud to have delivered funding for transportation infrastructure projects through recent annual appropriations bills. Working with our congressional delegation and other colleagues, we have secured critical funding for other important thoroughfares in Arkansas such as I-49 as well as U.S. Highways 412, 82 and 60. The allocations of $67 million for the construction of I-49, $5 million for improvements to Highway 82, $8 million for improvements on the Highway 412 corridor, and $6 million for a portion of the construction of I-57 are helping expedite construction and bringing communities along their paths more investment and opportunity.

These investments, paired with our state’s business-friendly policies and emphasis on workforce training, are key factors in creating a better quality of life for Arkansans.

Redesignating Highway 67 into Interstate 57 is the latest evidence of the vision to ensure our state has abundant regional and national connection is coming to fruition. With it, our corridor communities can tap into exciting regional partnerships and attract industries that bring new jobs or expand operations when they know our transportation network creates more accessibility to major markets. Excellent interstates and highways will continue to not only increase efficiency but also promote state-wide economic growth.

Of course, even with funding, it is no secret that kickstarting and completing infrastructure projects are no easy feats. The effort to designate I-57 stretches all the way back to 1956 – when the construction of U.S. Highway 67 broke ground. From that time onward, persistence and unwavering support have culminated in significant progress we can be very proud of. It was a pleasure to be with so many local leaders and stakeholders whose commitment, insights and advocacy were instrumental.

 This truly has been a team effort across all levels of government, with key support from ARDOT and the Federal Highway Administration. The Arkansas Congressional Delegation has leaned on these relationships to advance projects like I-57 through various approvals, applications and every arduous step along the way.

 I look forward to the continued modernization and upgrades to our roadways to link The Natural State to even more travel and economic opportunity. With the I-57 designation and ongoing efforts to complete it, our state is closer than ever to the day it directly connects Arkansas farms, factories and travelers to destinations such as Chicago and Dallas.

 I-57 is much more than an infrastructure investment. It represents our commitment to developing our state’s transportation capacity and potential for many years to come. I will continue to champion policies and funding for these projects across our state.