Bentonville is moving ahead with a $7.5 million upgrade to the Rainbow Curve intersection, aiming to reduce traffic congestion in the city’s southern corridor. The intersection of Walton Boulevard and Southwest Regional Airport Boulevard sees heavy use from commuters and commercial traffic, especially during peak hours.
The City Council voted 6-0 Tuesday to approve the contract with Fayetteville-based APAC-Central Inc. for the redesign and construction work. Ward 2 Council Member Chris Sooter was absent for the vote. The project will widen the intersection and improve traffic flow, with construction set to begin later this year.
“This is a critical spot for traffic movement in the southern part of our city,” said David Wright, Bentonville parks director, during the council meeting. “These improvements will help accommodate current and future growth.”
Rainbow Curve has long been a bottleneck, especially with the continued development in south Bentonville. The intersection serves as a key access point to the Bentonville Municipal Airport and several industrial and retail businesses. City engineers have been monitoring traffic volumes there for several years, identifying the need for infrastructure changes to keep up with demand.
Pickleball complex and power upgrades also on the table
In addition to the intersection project, the council approved a $300,000 agreement with Garver Architects for design services for a future pickleball complex at Memorial Park. The complex is part of the city’s long-term parks and recreation plan and is expected to include multiple courts, spectator seating, and accessible parking. A timeline for construction hasn’t been finalized, but city staff said design work will begin this summer.
The council also approved the purchase of two transformers for the new substation that will support the planned Bentonville Health Care Campus. The transformers, costing more than $6 million, are necessary to provide reliable power to the campus, which is expected to break ground next year. The campus will include a hospital and urgent care facilities, adding to the city’s growing medical corridor along Highway 71.
These approvals come as part of a broader effort by the city to support infrastructure and community development in response to rapid population and business growth. Bentonville’s population has grown by more than 20% in the past decade, putting pressure on roads, utilities, and recreational facilities.
Other items approved Tuesday include funding for sidewalk improvements in the downtown area and a new agreement with a waste management company to handle debris from city projects. The council also discussed ongoing noise complaints near the airport, which have prompted the city to explore new sound monitoring technology.
Residents interested in learning more about upcoming projects can attend the next City Council meeting, scheduled for May 27 at Bentonville City Hall, 110 NW A Street.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
