XNA Connector Opens as Labor Day Travel Gets Underway
SPRINGDALE, Ark. — The newly opened XNA Connector provides drivers with a more efficient route to Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) from the Springdale bypass in Tontitown. This connector, designated as Highway 642, links directly to Highway 264 at XNA and is part of a larger Phase Two project integrating the connector into the Arkansas freeway system.
The construction features a four-lane roadway that includes 11 bridges, costing approximately $127.7 million, as reported by the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT).
Olivia Tyler, public affairs manager for XNA, emphasized the significance of this new connection, stating, “We’re growing, and with the growth we expect more travel. The travel experience starts as soon as you get in your car. A direct connection to I-49 will enhance safety and efficiency.”
Dave Parker, an ARDOT spokesperson, noted that the new highway designation could facilitate access to additional federal funding: “The road is currently a four-lane highway. The road structure won’t change, but it opens us up to more federal dollars.”
This project has been partially funded by a permanent half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2020. The seven-mile Phase Two bypass section links Highway 412 West to Highway 112, further integrating the XNA Connector into the region’s freeway network.
Travelers are advised to arrive at least two hours before their flights for a smoother experience at XNA.
