By: Jaxson Miller

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (UATV) —The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has broken ground on a $127.5 million project that will soon give travelers a faster, safer route to Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA).

The groundbreaking ceremony took place at XNA’s short-term parking lot, where local and state officials gathered to mark the start of one of Northwest Arkansas’s largest current transportation projects.

The XNA Connector Project will build a four-mile, four-lane road connecting Highway 264 directly to the airport. The new road will also link to the Springdale Northern Bypass (Highway 612) helping reduce congestion on nearby local roads.

Olivia Tyler, Public Affairs Manager at XNA, said the new connector will make a noticeable difference for travelers.

“Instead of going down a two-lane backcountry road, they’re going to be able to go on a four-lane highway and get to their destination that much quicker,” Tyler said.

Construction will include several bridges and interchanges designed to improve traffic flow and safety. ARDOT officials said the project is part of a larger effort to modernize infrastructure and keep up with the region’s rapid growth.

“We believe that this will have a great impact on the Northwest Arkansas community and will make traveling easier,” Tyler said. “This project has been in the works for years, and it’s exciting to finally see it move forward.”

ARDOT leaders believe the connector will not only improve access to the airport but also support local economic development by making transportation more efficient for businesses and visitors alike.

Once complete, the new route is expected to cut travel time to XNA and provide a smoother connection for those coming from Interstate 49 and surrounding communities.

Construction began in 2024 and is expected to wrap up in 2027. When it opens, the XNA Connector will offer drivers a modern, reliable route to the airport and a major step toward improving mobility across Northwest Arkansas.