Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission leaders approved a list of 24 road and trail projects this week that could receive up to $15.8 million in federal funding — money that could reshape how families get around the region.
The list includes projects in Benton and Washington counties, from sidewalk extensions to multi-use trails. If Congress approves the full amount requested and there are no restrictions, local staff will begin moving forward on as many projects as possible starting October 1.
Among the proposed improvements are new connections between existing trails, safer walking routes near schools, and expanded bike lanes on roads already used by commuters. Several projects aim to link neighborhoods to parks and shopping areas without requiring a car.
What’s in it for families?
If you’ve ever walked your kids to school along a busy road or wished there was a safer way to ride bikes to the park, these projects could make a real difference. One planned sidewalk extension in Springdale would connect residential areas near Johnson Elementary to the growing trail network behind the Springdale Regional Airport. Another project would add protected bike lanes on parts of East Robinson Avenue in Bentonville, making it easier for middle and high school students to bike to school or after-school activities.
Many of the proposed trails are designed with all ages in mind. That includes wider paths, gentle grades, and lighting for evening use. Families with strollers, kids on scooters, or adults on bikes will find more options to get outside without sharing the road with fast-moving traffic.
Trail advocates say the region has momentum. Recent projects like the e-Mountain Bike Paradise at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch and new sections of the Razorback Greenway have drawn more users — and attention — to the value of safe, accessible outdoor spaces.
How it works
The Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission decides how to spend federal transportation dollars in the region. This isn’t a local tax issue — it’s about money Congress allocates to states, which then flows to regional planning bodies like this one. The commission is made up of elected officials from cities and counties across Benton and Washington counties.
This round, staff received $43.8 million in project requests — far more than the estimated $15.8 million that may be approved. That means tough choices. Priority was given to projects that improve safety, connect people to jobs or schools, and fill gaps in the current network.
Some of the most anticipated projects include:
- A new section of trail linking the existing path behind Springdale High School to the West Fork Regional Trail
- Sidewalks along north Collier Avenue in Fayetteville, near several bus stops and a large apartment complex
- Bike lanes on parts of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Springdale
None of the projects are shovel-ready yet. Each will go through design and public input phases before construction begins. But getting them on the priority list is the first step toward breaking ground.
For families looking to walk, bike, or roll more this year, these investments could open up new possibilities — whether it’s a weekend ride to a local coffee shop or a daily walk to school that feels safe and fun.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
