Environment

The natural environment has become increasingly important in the transportation planning process. Environmental assessment studies are often required for transportation projects in order to ensure that impacts on wildlife habitats and natural resources would be mitigated as much as possible. The Northwest Arkansas region faces typical environmental challenges such as soil erosion during road construction or impact on water quality and, as a result, there is an increasing need to protect the habitats of unique species such as the threatened Ozark Cavefish (Amblyopsis rosae) and to protect ground-water recharge areas as the region continues to grow. Important environmental factors to consider for transportation planning purposes include expanding urban land area, the widening and building of new roadways, and the choice of travel modes.

Northwest Arkansas has a rich cultural history. Transportation plans must also take historic and cultural factors into consideration as roadways are aligned or widened. Historic and cultural environmental factors of Northwest Arkansas include the Cherokee Trail of Tears, the Civil War trails and the Old Missouri Road/Old Wire Road/Butterfield Coach Trail. Historic buildings, battlefield sites, archeological sites, and cemeteries are additional examples of historic and cultural factors. It is important that these factors be considered when road alignments, the type of roadways, and the scale of roadways are chosen. For example, a limited access boulevard with a greenway median may be more appropriate than a five-lane highway through a historic-scenic area.

A series of studies and initiatives have been undertaken to address the environmental and cultural factors for preservation or mitigation in the region.