Transportation

The Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission (NWARPC) is currently updating the region’s long range transportation plan – Forward2050! Required by the federal government, this plan provides a policy framework for the region’s transportation system over the next 25 years. As the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Northwest Arkansas region, NWARPC is required to update the regional transportation plan every five years. Forward2050 will replace the current 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, adopted March 2021.

The Forward2050 Plan relies on the following Principles:

• Aspirational, collaborative, comprehensive, and regional

• Respects and integrates local plans

• Protects and enhances Northwest Arkansas’ quality of life

The Forward2050 Plan incorporates the following Themes:

• Predictable and fiscally responsible development patterns

• A connected multi-modal region

• A safe and resilient natural and built environment 

• Healthy, inclusive communities and thriving regional economy

2024 NWA Regional Transportation Survey

During August 2024, Ariel Strategic Communications conducted a Regional Transportation Survey for the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission. Conducted every five years, the survey is a vital tool for understanding public perspectives on the region’s evolving transportation needs and priorities. Click here to view the survey findings. 

More information and opportunities to participate in the public input process will be made available soon.

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Below you can find the current NWA 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan documents and information.

On March 24, 2021 the RPC/Policy Committee approved the 2045 NWA Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) by Resolution #2021-02.

The 2045 MTP currently serves as the 25-year regional transportation plan for the Northwest Arkansas metropolitan transportation planning area.  It  provides a long-range, comprehensive look at the region’s transportation needs and implementation strategies including, but not limited to highways, transit, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities. 

NWARPC 2045 MTP

MTP AMENDMENTS:
Amendment #1 – October 26, 2022 – Resolution #2022-13 
Amendment #2 – February 22, 2023 – Resolution #2023-01

Please see the following items for additional data, interactive maps, and links:

2045 MTP Public Input Summary
Cave Springs Area Karst Resource Conservation Study (Fall 2014-Spring 2016)
Congestion Management Process Report (May 2014-May 2015)
Eastern North/South Corridor Study (July 2011)
AR Hwy. 112 Corridor Study (June 2015)
NWA Regional ITS Architecture and Deployment Plan (Spring 2007)
NWA Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Regional Master Plan (2014-2015)
NWA Transportation Alternatives Analysis Study (2014)
Highway 71 Corridor Improvements Study – Bella Vista Bypass to Missouri State Line (2017)
Highway 72 Improvement Study – I-49 in Bentonville to Pea Ridge (2019)
Highway 62 and Highway 102 Study – Highway 102B to Highway 94 (2019)
Highway 412 Corridor Planning Study Update (Oklahoma to Missouri) (2020)

Previous Long Range Transportation Plans:

2020 Regional Transportation Plan for Metropolitan Northwest Arkansas
2025 Regional Transportation Plan for Metropolitan Northwest Arkansas
2030 Northwest Arkansas Regional Transportation Plan
2035 Northwest Arkansas Regional Transportation Plan
2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) – Appendices (A-G)