The Bentonville City Council approved accepting more than $5 million in state and federal grant funding to support transportation projects focused on improving connectivity and safety across the city. The two grants will fund a variety of street, sidewalk, and trail improvements designed to enhance mobility for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
City Engineer Jarrod Brightwell presented details on the funding during the council’s Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday. According to Brightwell, the funding package includes a $3.5 million grant from the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department and an additional $1.6 million federal grant awarded through the BUILD (Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development) Transportation program.
The grants target projects that align with Bentonville’s ongoing plan to expand multimodal transportation options throughout the city. Brightwell explained that the funds will be used for improvements along key corridors, including enhancements to existing trails, sidewalk expansions around busy neighborhoods, and intersection redesigns to increase safety and reduce congestion.
One significant project receiving funding is a stretch of the Clear Creek Trail near downtown Bentonville. The grant will enable construction to widen the trail segment from 8 feet to 12 feet, allowing for safer two-way bicycle and pedestrian traffic. The Clear Creek Trail is a popular connection for residents traveling between downtown, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and neighborhoods such as La Hacienda and Copper Creek.
Additionally, funds will support sidewalk completion projects on several residential streets, making it easier for families and solo travelers alike to walk or bike to nearby parks, schools, and businesses without having to navigate traffic-heavy roads. Brightwell highlighted improvements planned along SE 14th Street and SE J Street as key priorities for filling gaps in the network.
Intersection safety upgrades are another focus area. The grants will boost efforts to install additional crosswalks with pedestrian-activated signals at busy intersections such as Walton Boulevard and 8th Street. These signals have demonstrated effectiveness in calming traffic and making street crossings safer, especially for students walking to nearby schools.
Bentonville’s commitment to funding multipurpose transportation options follows years of incremental growth with trail systems like the Razorback Greenway and local bike lanes. The recent grant awards mark an important investment that will accelerate projects aligning with Bentonville’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan goals, which emphasize a balanced transportation network.
City leaders say these projects are key not only to managing Bentonville’s continued population growth but also to fostering a healthier, more active community. “We want to make sure that people of all ages and abilities feel safe and comfortable when they choose to walk, bike, or roll around Bentonville,” Brightwell said.
The $5.1 million total in grant funds will be combined with local matching dollars from Bentonville’s transportation budget. Council members expressed broad support for accepting the grants, praising the focus on improving connectivity and safety throughout existing and emerging neighborhoods.
This grant award also complements other regional transportation initiatives underway in Northwest Arkansas, including trail expansions connecting Bentonville with neighboring cities like Rogers and Bella Vista. These projects contribute to a larger vision of a seamless network that promotes active transportation and reduces reliance on cars.
Bentonville residents can expect construction and project implementation to begin next year, with clear public updates anticipated as each phase is scheduled. City staff will continue coordinating with neighborhood groups, the Arkansas Department of Transportation, and other stakeholders to ensure projects meet community needs and enhance mobility options.
The improvements around downtown Bentonville and adjacent neighborhoods around the Razorback Greenway create a more inviting environment for families, commuters, and visitors who rely on safe, accessible routes. These investments also support growing business districts by encouraging foot traffic and alternative transportation modes.
As Bentonville’s transportation network grows and evolves through targeted projects like these, City Hall signals that the goal is to build a city where moving around isn’t just easier—it’s safer and more enjoyable regardless of your mode of travel.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
