Bella Vista Bypass is on road to scenic status

The Bella Vista Bypass could be designated as a scenic byway from Bentonville to the Missouri state line.

The Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission on Wednesday approved a resolution supporting the measure, which earlier received the Legislature’s blessing. The Arkansas Department of Transportation is expected to finalize the designation.

The resolution says scenic byways are important designations that protect and preserve the natural beauty and visual aesthetics in Arkansas. Northwest Arkansas has long been recognized for the beauty of its countryside, resulting in positive effects on quality of life and tourism, according to the resolution.

Bentonville and Bella Vista city councils have passed resolutions, and the Benton County Quorum Court is set to consider one in April.

The Arkansas Scenic Byways Program lists highways that have been selected since 1991 as scenic by the highway department.

A route must contain abundant scenic, cultural, recreational and/or historic qualities that would be of interest to tourists.

“The Scenic Byway designation would prohibit off-premises signs, or billboards, directing people to businesses that are not located along that highway,” said Tim Conklin, assistant director at Regional Planning.

Scenic byways are given appropriate identification on state highway maps and distinctive scenic byways logos and signing.

Federal legislation created the Scenic Byway framework to develop a network of National Scenic Byways. Arkansas scenic byways: • Great River Road National Scenic Byway — Parallels the Mississippi River on Arkansas’ eastern border. The byway runs nearly 3,000 miles through 10 states that border the Mississippi. This region is home to agriculture, state parks, wildlife refuges, archeological sites, national heritage sites and a national forest.

• Talimena Scenic Drive National Scenic Byway — Arkansas 88, from Mena to Talihina, Okla., passes through Queen Wilhelmina State Park and close to Rich Mountain, elevation 2,681 feet. Also home to rich flora and fauna, the byway offers breathtaking views and historic sites.

• Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway — Arkansas’ first scenic byway, designated in 1993, Arkansas 7 stretches 290 miles from Harrison south past Arkadelphia to the Louisiana state line. Travelers along this byway encounter rolling, forested hills; numerous river valleys dotted with lakes; the Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains; and abundant wildlife. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound.

• Boston Mountains Scenic Loop — Two very different roadways, one a two-lane highway, U.S. 71, and the other, Interstate 49, a four-lane divided interstate with full control of access, make up the loop. The drive takes motorists across the highest region of the Ozarks.

• Arkansas 21/Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway — From Clarksville north to the Newton County line, the drive provides outstanding views of the Ozark National Forest. Wildlife is abundant and includes deer, black bear, elk and bald eagles.

• Interstate 530 Scenic Byway — This byway extends 15 miles from Arkansas 256, west of White Hall to Arkansas 65 on the east side of Pine Bluff. It follows Bayou Bartholomew across bridges and through a wetlands corridor.

• Mount Magazine Scenic Byway/Arkansas 309 — Motorists on this portion of Arkansas 309 travel over the top of Mount Magazine, the highest point in Arkansas at 2,753 feet. The area is home to unique habitats for rare plants and animals because of its altitude, geography and climate.

• Pig Trail Scenic Byway — The rugged and forested Boston Mountains provide the setting for the Pig Trail, which often runs through a tunnel of foliage during spring, summer and fall. The route crosses the Mulberry River and the 165-mile Ozark Highlands Trail.

• Crowley’s Ridge Parkway — The 198-mile byway follows the geologic formation known as Crowley’s Ridge through northeast and east-central Arkansas. The ridge is named for one of the area’s earliest settlers and is one of only two such formations in the world.

• Sylamore Scenic Byway — The Sylamore Scenic Byway passes through the white oak and hickory forests and stands of shortleaf pines found in the Ozark National Forest. The winding route offers views of limestone cliffs and mountain vistas.

Source: Arkansas Department of Transportation and Arkansas Department of Tourism