View source for Interstate 49

{{Short description|Interstate Highway in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Missouri}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox road
| country = USA
| type = I
| route = 49
| length_mi = 547.52
| length_ref = <ref name="fhwalog1"/>
| map = {{maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|frame-align=center|frame-width=290|frame-height=290|type=line|from=Interstate 49.map}}
| map_custom = yes
| map_notes = I-49 highlighted in red, AR&nbsp;549 highlighted in blue
| established = 1977<ref name="AASHTO 1977"/>
| section1 = Original segment
| direction_a1 = South
| terminus_a1 = {{jct|state=LA|I|10|US|167|LA|182}} in [[Lafayette, Louisiana|Lafayette, LA]]
| junction1 = 
*{{jct|state=LA|US|71}} in [[Alexandria, Louisiana|Alexandria, LA]]
| direction_b1 = North
| terminus_b1 = {{jct|state=LA|I|20}} in [[Shreveport, Louisiana|Shreveport, LA]]
| section2 = Central segment
| direction_a2 = South
| terminus_a2 = {{jct|state=LA|I|220}} in Shreveport, LA
| junction2 =
*{{jct|state=AR|I|30}} in [[Texarkana, Arkansas|Texarkana, AR]]
| direction_b2 = North
| terminus_b2 = {{jct|state=AR|US|59|US|71}} in Texarkana, AR
| section3 = Northern segment
| direction_a3 = South
| terminus_a3 = {{jct|state=AR|I|40|US|71}} near [[Alma, Arkansas|Alma, AR]]
| junction3 = * {{jct|state=MO|US|71}} in [[Pineville, Missouri|Pineville, MO]]
* {{jct|state=MO|I|44}} in [[Joplin, Missouri|Joplin, MO]]
| direction_b3 = North
| terminus_b3 = {{jct|state=MO|I|435|I|470|US|50|US|71}} in [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City, MO]]
| states = [[Louisiana]], [[Arkansas]], [[Missouri]]
}}

'''Interstate&nbsp;49''' ('''I-49''') is a north–south [[Interstate Highway]] with multiple segments. The original portion is entirely within [[Louisiana]] with an additional signed portion extending from [[Interstate 220 (Louisiana)|I-220]] in [[Shreveport, Louisiana|Shreveport]] to the [[Arkansas]] state line, three newer sections are in Arkansas, and one section in [[Missouri]]. Its southern terminus is in [[Lafayette, Louisiana]], at [[Interstate 10 in Louisiana|I-10]] while its northern terminus is in [[Kansas City, Missouri]], at [[Interstate 435|I-435]] and [[Interstate 470 (Missouri)|I-470]]. Future plans include portions of the remaining roadway in Louisiana, Arkansas, and [[Texas]], to link [[Kansas City, Missouri]] with [[New Orleans]].

Although not part of the original 1957 Interstate Highway plan, residents of Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana began campaigning for the highway in 1965 via the "US&nbsp;71 - I-29 Association". The campaign called for [[Interstate 29|I-29]] to be extended south from Kansas City to New Orleans following much of the route along [[U.S. Route 71]] (US&nbsp;71). The plan called for creating a limited access expressway from New Orleans to the Canadian border and on to [[Winnipeg]] (via [[Manitoba Highway 75]]). When I-49 is complete, the goal of the association will have been accomplished,<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.modot.org/southwest/major_projects/I-49/I-49Conversion.htm |title = I-49 Conversion |publisher = Missouri Department of Transportation |access-date = May 24, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160710032722/http://www.modot.org/southwest/major_projects/I-49/I-49Conversion.htm |archive-date = July 10, 2016 |url-status = dead }}</ref> with only a brief gap between the [[Grandview Triangle]] and I-29 at the [[Downtown Loop (Kansas City)|Kansas City Downtown Loop]] served by US&nbsp;71 (Bruce R. Watkins Memorial Drive) or other Interstates such as [[Interstate 435|I-435]] and [[Interstate 70 in Missouri|I-70]] in Kansas City.

==Route description==
{{lengths table|length_ref=<ref name="fhwalog1"/>}}
|-
|[[Interstate 49 in Louisiana|LA]]
|{{convert|239.25|mi|km|disp=table}}
|-
|[[Interstate 49 in Arkansas|AR]]
|{{convert|124.31|mi|km|disp=table}}
|-
|TX
|
|-
|[[Interstate 49 in Missouri|MO]]
|{{convert|183.96|mi|km|disp=table}}
|-
|Total
|{{convert|547.52|mi|km|disp=table}}
|}

===Louisiana===
{{Main|Interstate 49 in Louisiana}}
The southern terminus of I-49 is located at a [[cloverleaf interchange]] with [[Interstate 10 in Louisiana|I-10]] and [[U.S. Route 167 in Louisiana|US&nbsp;167]] in the southern Louisiana city of [[Lafayette, Louisiana|Lafayette]]. Southbound motorists continue through the interchange onto the Evangeline Thruway, which transitions from a [[limited-access]] portion of [[Louisiana Highway 182|LA 182]] to a major divided thoroughfare that picks up the [[U.S. Route 90 in Louisiana|US&nbsp;90]] corridor heading through the heart of Lafayette. I-49 begins its journey concurrent with US&nbsp;167 as it travels northward through [[Carencro, Louisiana|Carencro]], [[Sunset, Louisiana|Sunset]], [[Grand Coteau, Louisiana|Grand Coteau]], and [[Opelousas, Louisiana|Opelousas]]. US&nbsp;167 departs from the Interstate's alignment at exit&nbsp;23 between Opelousas and [[Washington, Louisiana|Washington]], and I-49 begins to take a northwesterly path through the heavily wooded rural terrain. Various state highways provide access to the small towns and cities located along the parallel [[U.S. Route 71 in Louisiana|US&nbsp;71]] and US&nbsp;167 corridors, such as [[Lebeau, Louisiana|Lebeau]], [[Ville Platte, Louisiana|Ville Platte]], [[Bunkie, Louisiana|Bunkie]], and [[Cheneyville, Louisiana|Cheneyville]]. After crossing US&nbsp;167, I-49 travels between US&nbsp;71 and [[U.S. Route 165 in Louisiana|US&nbsp;165]] into the [[Alexandria, Louisiana metropolitan area|Alexandria metropolitan area]] in central Louisiana.

I-49 travels through downtown [[Alexandria, Louisiana|Alexandria]] doubling as [[U.S. Route 71 Bypass (Alexandria, Louisiana)|U.S. Highway&nbsp;71 Bypass]] (US&nbsp;71 Byp.) and is also concurrent with portions of US&nbsp;167 and [[Louisiana Highway 28|Louisiana Highway&nbsp;28]] (LA&nbsp;28). Major interchanges with US&nbsp;167 and US&nbsp;71 lead to bridges that cross the [[Red River of the South|Red River]] into the neighboring city of [[Pineville, Louisiana|Pineville]]. Continuing northwest from Alexandria, I-49 parallels the Red River and [[Louisiana Highway 1|LA&nbsp;1]] through [[Boyce, Louisiana|Boyce]] and passes just west of the historic city of [[Natchitoches, Louisiana|Natchitoches]], which is reached via [[LA 6]] at exit&nbsp;138. Between Natchitoches and [[Shreveport, Louisiana|Shreveport]], I-49 travels between LA&nbsp;1 and [[US 171]] and has junctions with [[U.S. Route 371 in Louisiana|US&nbsp;371]] and [[U.S. Route 84 in Louisiana|US&nbsp;84]], connecting with [[Coushatta, Louisiana|Coushatta]] and [[Mansfield, Louisiana|Mansfield]], respectively.

In Shreveport, the Interstate heads directly into the downtown area and terminates at [[Interstate 20 in Louisiana|I-20]], a route that facilitates eastbound traffic. However, through traffic bound for I-20 west and the northern segment of I-49 is directed to transfer onto [[LA 3132]] at an interchange located about {{convert|5.5|mi|km}} south of this terminus. LA&nbsp;3132 is a western freeway bypass of Shreveport known as the Inner Loop Expressway that becomes [[Interstate 220 in Louisiana|I-220]] upon intersecting I-20. On the northside of town, motorists may exit I-220 and follow the next segment of I-49, which parallels US&nbsp;71 into [[Arkansas]].

The heaviest traffic on I-49 occurs within the cities of Shreveport and Opelousas. The stretch of freeway in Shreveport sees an average of 70,000&nbsp;vehicles per day, while the stretch of freeway between Lafayette and Carencro sees an average of 55,000&nbsp;vehicles per day, and the stretch of freeway through Opelousas sees an average of 45,000&nbsp;vehicles per day between the Judson Walsh Drive and Creswell Lane exits.

During the [[sugarcane]] season, many trucks and tractors pulling heavy cane wagons cause traffic congestion and accidents.<ref name="highway 90 sugarmill related traffic congestion">{{cite web |url = http://www.iberianet.com/news/officials-ask-patience-safe-driving-during-sugar-harvest-season/article_1e6de5d6-cdb0-52eb-85b7-f9b1c8c20c54.html |last = LeJeune |first = Henri |title = Officials ask patience, safe driving during sugar harvest season |work = The Daily Iberian |date = September 20, 2004 |access-date = January 25, 2024 }}</ref>

===Arkansas===
[[File:University of Arkansas Campus 03.jpg|right|thumb|I-49 rises into the Ozark Mountains south of Fayetteville.]]
{{Main|Interstate 49 in Arkansas}}
I-49 in Arkansas is composed of three disconnected segments: northern, southern, and a short connector skirting [[Fort Smith, Arkansas|Fort Smith]] near Fort Chaffee designated as AR 549.

The southern segment of I-49 enters Arkansas from Louisiana. The short segment progresses northward to a temporary terminus at US&nbsp;71 and US&nbsp;59 at the Texas state line north of Texarkana.

The northern segment of I-49 in Arkansas, most of which was formerly signed as part of [[Interstate 540 (Arkansas)|I-540]], begins at [[Interstate 40 in Arkansas|I-40]] in [[Alma, Arkansas|Alma]] and runs north to [[Northwest Arkansas]] through the [[Boston Mountains]]. The freeway passes through steep, sparsely populated terrain before entering the [[Bobby Hopper Tunnel]] in [[Washington County, Arkansas|Washington County]]. Entering Northwest Arkansas, I-49 has seven exits for [[Fayetteville, Arkansas|Fayetteville]] and three exits for [[Springdale, Arkansas|Springdale]] before entering [[Benton County, Arkansas|Benton County]]. The route serves as the boundary between [[Bentonville, Arkansas|Bentonville]] and [[Rogers, Arkansas|Rogers]], with seven exits for the two cities. After an interchange with US&nbsp;71 just south of the Bentonville–Bella Vista city line, I-49 follows the Bella Vista Bypass, which runs to the south and west of [[Bella Vista, Arkansas|Bella Vista]] before crossing into Missouri.

I-49 is designated as the [[Boston Mountains Scenic Loop]] between Alma and Fayetteville. The I-49 designation replaced the I-540 designation through Northwest Arkansas in March&nbsp;2014,<ref>{{cite letter |first = Gregory G |last = Nadeau |title = Letter Approving I-49 Designation |recipient = Scott E. Bennett |publisher = Federal Highway Administration |url = http://www.arkansashighways.com/forums/I-49-approval-north.pdf |format = PDF |date = March 28, 2014 |access-date = May 26, 2014 |archive-date = May 27, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140527215757/http://www.arkansashighways.com/forums/I-49-approval-north.pdf |url-status = dead }}</ref> with the exception of the Bella Vista Bypass, which was constructed between July&nbsp;2011 and October&nbsp;2021.

===Missouri===
{{Main|Interstate 49 in Missouri}}
I-49 enters Missouri from Arkansas on the Bella Vista Bypass, eventually reuniting with US&nbsp;71 south of [[Pineville, Missouri|Pineville]]. Continuing northward, I-49 passes through several smaller communities, including [[Neosho, Missouri|Neosho]], before reaching [[Joplin, Missouri|Joplin]]. In Joplin, I-49 junctions with [[Interstate 44 in Missouri|I-44]] and begins a short concurrency with I-44 for exits&nbsp;11 through 18.

Just a few miles east of Joplin, I-49 leaves I-44 and heads north and enters [[Carthage, Missouri|Carthage]], intersecting with [[Interstate 49 Business (Joplin, Missouri)|Interstate&nbsp;49 Business]] (I-49 Bus.)/[[Missouri Route 171|Route&nbsp;171]], which provides an alternate route for northbound I-49 travelers through Joplin. I-49 then passes through [[Nevada, Missouri|Nevada]] and other communities before reaching the [[Kansas City metropolitan area]]. I-49 intersects with I-470 and I-435, which provides connection to [[Interstate 70 in Missouri|I-70]], [[Interstate 35 in Missouri|I-35]], and [[Interstate 29 in Missouri|I-29]].

In south Kansas City, at Bannister Road just north of the [[Grandview Triangle]], the I-49 designation ends, and the freeway continues as Interstate 435 north to I-70 west and the expressway continues as US&nbsp;71, which proceeds into [[Downtown Kansas City]] as [[Bruce R. Watkins]] Memorial Drive.

==History==
===Louisiana===
The original plans for the Interstate Highway System did not include a north&ndash;south connection between [[Interstate 10 in Louisiana|I-10]] and [[Interstate 20 in Louisiana|I-20]] within Louisiana. In 1965, Governor [[John McKeithen]] proposed a toll road to perform this function and extend it to New Orleans, but the idea was never carried out.<ref name="Adv. 4-9-1986">{{cite news |date = April 9, 1986 |title = Moving northward |newspaper = Morning Advocate |location = Baton Rouge |page = 3B }}</ref> In the mid-1970s, the [[Federal Highway Administration]] (FHWA) approved an Interstate Highway to run between US&nbsp;190 in Opelousas and I-20 in Shreveport, a route that was designated as I-49 by the [[American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials]] (AASHTO) in the summer of 1977.<ref name="AASHTO 1977">{{AASHTO minutes |year=1977S |page=2 |access-date=January 19, 2016 |link=yes |v-link=yes}}</ref> The mileage was gained from mileage released from other highways the states did not build and {{convert|153|mi|km}} from a supplemental reserve.<ref name="fha50a"/> In 1981, AASHTO approved a slight extension of the designation along the existing route of US&nbsp;167 from Opelousas south to I-10 in Lafayette.<ref name="AASHTO 1981">{{AASHTO minutes |year=1981A |page=2 |access-date=January 19, 2016 |v-link=yes}}</ref> In its early history, I-49 was commonly referred to as the North&ndash;South Expressway.<ref name="Adv. 4-9-1986"/>

Construction of I-49 began in 1981 between Opelousas and the small town of Washington.<ref name="DOTD 1979/80">{{cite map |publisher = Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development |title = Louisiana |date = 1979 |author = Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development |author-link = Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development |edition = 1980 }}</ref><ref name="DOTD 1981">{{cite map |publisher = Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development |title = Louisiana |date = 1981 |author = Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development }}</ref> This segment joined the portion running concurrent with US&nbsp;167, an existing [[limited-access highway]], and was completed by 1983.<ref name="DOTD 1981"/><ref name="DOTD 1983">{{cite map |publisher = Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development |title = Louisiana |date = 1983 |author = Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development }}</ref> By the following year, virtually all remaining rural portions of the route were under construction,<ref name="DOTD 1983"/><ref name="DOTD 1984">{{cite map |publisher = Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development |title = Louisiana |date = 1984 |author = Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development }}</ref> and 95 percent of this mileage was completed and opened to traffic between late 1987 and late 1989.<ref name="Adv. 3-29-1987">{{cite news |last = Leblanc |first = Doug |date = March 29, 1987 |title = Interstate 49 Expected to be Finished by 1991 |newspaper = Sunday Advocate |location = Baton Rouge |page = 1B }}</ref><ref name="Adv. 11-10-1989">{{cite news |date = November 10, 1989 |title = New Stretch of Interstate to be Opened |newspaper = Morning Advocate |location = Baton Rouge |page = 7B }}</ref> The remaining portions running through the urban centers of Alexandria and Shreveport required a much greater expenditure of time and funding. The entire length of the {{convert|212|mi|km|adj=on}} road was completed on May&nbsp;1, 1996, with the opening of a {{convert|16.6|mi|km|adj=on}} section in downtown Alexandria named the [[Martin Luther King Jr.]] Highway. The total cost of I-49's construction was about $1.38&nbsp;billion (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|1380000000|1996}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}).<ref name="fha50a"/> In 1991, the [[Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act]] (ISTEA) was passed designating an extension of I-49 to Kansas City, Missouri as "High Priority Corridor 1."<ref>{{Cite web |date = December 15, 2012 |title = Bill Summary & Status - 102nd Congress (1991 - 1992) - H.R.2950 - THOMAS (Library of Congress) |url = http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d102:HR02950: |access-date = April 15, 2025 |website = Thomas |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121215195446/http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d102:HR02950: |archive-date = December 15, 2012 }}</ref>

"Interstate&nbsp;49 North" was a {{convert|36|mi|km|adj=on}} construction project that extended the highway from I-20 in Shreveport to the Arkansas state line and was divided into 11 segments. On November&nbsp;27, 2013, the first {{convert|18.9|mi|km|adj=on}} section between LA&nbsp;1 and US&nbsp;71 opened to traffic,<ref name="ladoti49n"/> and the extension to a point just south of the Arkansas state line opened in March&nbsp;2014.<ref name="I-49 North">{{cite web |author = Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development |title = I-49 North |url = http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/home.aspx?key=21 |publisher = Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development |access-date = August 16, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160616180919/http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/home.aspx?key=21 |archive-date = June 16, 2016 |url-status = dead }}</ref> On May&nbsp;31, 2017, a {{convert|4.25|mi|km|adj=on}} portion between [[LA 3194]] (Martin Luther King Jr. Drive) and LA&nbsp;1 in Shreveport was opened to northbound traffic.<ref name="KSLA">{{cite news |url = http://www.ksla.com/story/35549101/louisiana-to-open-part-of-new-stretch-of-i-49-on-wednesday |title = Louisiana to Open Part of New Stretch of I-49 on Wednesday |first = Curtis |last = Heyen |date = May 30, 2017 |location = Shreveport, LA |publisher = [[KSLA|KSLA News 12]] |access-date = June 3, 2017 }}</ref>  On June&nbsp;15, 2018, the entire {{convert|5.25|mi|km|adj=on}} portion of I-49 between I-220 and LA&nbsp;1, including an interchange with I-220, was opened to traffic.<ref>{{Cite news |url = http://www.ksla.com/story/38438351/ladotd-opens-new-ramps-along-i-49-i-220-in-caddo-parish |title = LaDOTD opens new ramps along I-49, I-220 in Caddo |author = KSLA Staff |access-date = June 23, 2018 |language = en }}</ref> The remaining interchange ramps opened to traffic on October&nbsp;17, 2018.<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/2018/10/17/new-shreveport-49-220-interchange-officially-opens/1671011002/ |title = New Shreveport I-49, I-220 interchange officially opens |work = shreveporttimes.com |access-date = October 18, 2018 |language = en }}</ref>

===Arkansas and Missouri===
Arkansas and Missouri pursued an I-49 designation for US&nbsp;71 and [[Interstate 540 (Arkansas)|I-540]] for many years. In the early 2000s, there were plans by both states to rename the roadway as such between [[Interstate 44 in Missouri|I-44]] west of [[Joplin, Missouri|Joplin]] and [[Interstate 40 in Arkansas|I-40]] at [[Fort Smith, Arkansas|Fort Smith]] once a new bypass of US&nbsp;71 had been completed around [[Bella Vista, Arkansas]], and north to [[Pineville, Missouri]].<ref name="jopgl070511"/> However, the AASHTO Special Committee on U.S. Route Numbers and Interstate Highways denied the I-49 designation at their annual meeting in September&nbsp;2007 because none of the new roadway was yet under construction.<ref name="aash070929"/> During this time, there was also some debate as to whether the [[Interstate 29|I-29]] designation should be extended farther south from its current terminus in Kansas City to either Joplin or all the way to Fort Smith.<ref name="aard020609"/>

[[File:Northern end of the future Bella Vista Bypass.jpg|thumb|A [[ghost ramp]] is at the northern end of the Bella Vista Bypass in 2011; the bypass was built and opened on October&nbsp;1, 2021.]]
[[File:I-49 Milepost Marker.jpg|thumb|upright|This I-49 milepost marker south of [[Carthage, Missouri]], was temporarily turned so as not to be visible to traffic in April 2012.]]
The I-49 designation, consisting of {{convert|180|mi|km}} in Missouri, became official at noon on December&nbsp;12, 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.kansascity.com/2012/09/02/3793979/us-71-south-to-become-i-49.html |title = US&nbsp;71 from Kansas City to Joplin to become Interstate&nbsp;49 |newspaper = [[Kansas City Star]] |date = September 2, 2012 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120906005115/http://www.kansascity.com/2012/09/02/3793979/us-71-south-to-become-i-49.html |archive-date = September 6, 2012 }}</ref> The designation applies to current US&nbsp;71 between I-435 in south Kansas City and Route H at [[Pineville, Missouri|Pineville]] (McDonald County), which was expanded to Interstate standards beginning in 2010.<ref name="MoDOTPR">{{cite press release |author = Southwest District Office |publisher = [[Missouri Department of Transportation]] |url = http://www.modot.org/southwest/news_and_information/District8Release.shtml?action=displaySSI&newsId=148419 |title = New I-49 Signs Being Installed Along US&nbsp;71 |access-date = December 23, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121109050722/http://modot.org/southwest/news_and_information/District8Release.shtml?action=displaySSI&newsId=148419 |archive-date = November 9, 2012 |url-status = dead |df = mdy-all }}</ref> The last of the expansion projects was completed in December&nbsp;2012. I-49 also runs concurrently with I-44 between exits&nbsp;11 and 18 east of [[Joplin, Missouri|Joplin]].

The [[Missouri Department of Transportation]] (MoDOT) began installing I-49 trailblazer signage (without shields) along with gantry signs and milemarkers, about 1200 signs in all, in February&nbsp;2012. Signage bearing I-49 shields was covered or turned from view until the I-49 designation received final approval by FHWA. This includes milemarkers at {{convert|0.2|mi|km|adj=on}} intervals along the entire alignment apart from I-44.<ref name="MoDOTPR"/>

The US&nbsp;71 expansion involved removing all at-grade intersections and constructing interchanges and overpasses at 15 sites between Harrisonville and Lamar. The two-year project represented a shift in funding priorities for MoDOT, which, in 2007, announced the indefinite postponement of its portion of the Bella Vista bypass project, citing a $139-million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|139000000|2007}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) funding gap in Arkansas between construction costs and toll revenues, and Arkansas's commitment to only a two-lane bypass constructed over six years.<ref>{{cite news |newspaper = Joplin Independent |title = Missouri Gateway to Bella Vista Bypass Scrapped |url = http://www.joplinindependent.com/display_article.php/l-marble1192477593 |date = October 15, 2007 |access-date = February 14, 2012 |archive-date = February 4, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120204015244/http://www.joplinindependent.com/display_article.php/l-marble1192477593 |url-status = dead }}</ref> MoDOT announced the Joplin-to-Kansas City expansion of US&nbsp;71 in August&nbsp;2010, to be done with the intention of bringing the I-49 designation to Missouri.<ref name="modot100804"/>

Most of the {{Convert|10.2|mi|km|adj=on}} corridor in Kansas City, constructed between 1990 and 2001,<ref>{{cite press release |first = Steve |last = Porter |publisher = Missouri Department of Transportation |title = Bruce R. Watkins Drive Is Smoother Months Ahead of Schedule |url = http://www.modot.mo.gov/kansascity/newrelease/District4News.shtml?action=displaySSI&newsId=35205 |date = July 28, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100601185134/http://www.modot.mo.gov/kansascity/newrelease/District4News.shtml?action=displaySSI&newsId=35205 |archive-date = June 1, 2010 |url-status = dead }}</ref> was built to Interstate standards. However, three at-grade intersections—at Gregory Boulevard (71st&nbsp;Street), 59th&nbsp;Street, and 55th&nbsp;Street—prevent the I-49 designation from being extended all the way to downtown. All three of these intersections were on the Kansas City Police Department's 2010 list of "Top 20 Crash Sites in Kansas City", at #9, #6 and #4, respectively,<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.kmbc.com/download/2011/0104/26366262.pdf |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.kmbc.com/download/2011/0104/26366262.pdf |archive-date = October 9, 2022 |url-status = live |title = Kansas City PD Top 20 Crash Sites, 2010 |location = Kansas City, MO |publisher = KMBC-TV }}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> and Watkins Drive has the reputation among commuters as "one of the city's most accident-prone stretches of road".<ref name="kcur100615"/> Many neighborhood associations in Kansas City have historically objected to expanding Watkins Drive to a freeway.<ref name="pitch050526"/> MoDOT has gone on record stating a court order keeps them from removing the stoplights, making conversion of this stretch unlikely. A MoDOT blog post says "Ample right of way was acquired to someday allow MoDOT to reconstruct the three signal-controlled, at-grade intersections to grade-separated interchanges, allowing traffic on Bruce R. Watkins Drive to flow unimpeded. Neither MoDOT nor the city of Kansas City can initiate this change. It is up to the citizens, who must raise the issue again through the court system to amend the class-action agreement."<ref name="modotbc"/>

The I-49 designation carries through the [[Three Trails Crossing]] (aka the '''Grandview Triangle''') interchange to guide motorists onto US&nbsp;71 north of I-435 and terminates north of I-435 and south of Bannister Road (Route W) around the 190.0&nbsp;mile marker.{{Citation needed|date=June 2015}} From this point north, US&nbsp;71 follows Bruce R. Watkins Drive,<ref>{{cite news |publisher = Missouri Department of Transportation |work = Pathways |title = Kansas City's Vital Link |url = http://www.modot.org/newsandinfo/publications/Pathways/fall2001/pdf/vital_link.pdf |date = Fall 2001 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081012081356/http://www.modot.org/newsandinfo/publications/Pathways/fall2001/pdf/vital_link.pdf |archive-date = October 12, 2008 }}</ref> a parkway which directly connects the [[Interstate 70 in Missouri|I-70]]/[[Interstate 670 (Kansas-Missouri)|I-670]] interchange in downtown Kansas City, and the [[Interstate 35 in Missouri|I-35]]/I-29/I-70 interchange just to the north, to south Kansas City and [[I-435]], [[Interstate 470 (Missouri)|I-470]], and I-49.

[[Interstate 130|I-130]], a former future designation from 2000 to 2014, was removed and no longer exists as part of the Texarkana Loop.<ref name="AHTDARRAList">{{cite web |url = http://www.arkansashighways.com/ARRA/ARRA%20List%20AHTD%20WEB.pdf |title = AHTD List of ARRA projects |author = Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department |publisher = Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department }} (Though both are labeled "Hwy. 71" here, as described #030325 is AR 245/future I-130 & I-49, while #030354 is AR 549/future I-49.)</ref>

====Southern Arkansas segment====
[[File:Highway 549 north of US 71.jpg|thumb|The first [[reassurance marker]] on AR&nbsp;549 north of US&nbsp;71 near Texarkana.]]
A temporary designation of [[Arkansas Highway 549|AR&nbsp;549]] had been assigned to I-49 between US&nbsp;71 north of Texarkana and [[Doddridge, Arkansas|Doddridge]], {{convert|5|mi|km|spell=in}} from the state line.<ref>{{cite press release |first = Jeff |last = Whatley |title = Highway 549 Opens to Traffic in Texarkana Wednesday |url = http://www.arkansashighways.com/news/2013/NR%2013-144.pdf |date = May 13, 2013 |publisher = Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department |access-date = May 27, 2013 |archive-date = February 21, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140221204155/http://www.arkansashighways.com/news/2013/NR%2013-144.pdf |url-status = dead }}</ref>

I-49 has now been completed to the state line. "Future I-49" segments extending northward from Texarkana, Arkansas, plus segments from Doddridge south into Louisiana were shown on the official Arkansas 2013 Highway Map.<ref>{{cite map |url = http://www.arkansashighways.com/planning_research/mapping_graphics/2013%20AR%20State%20Highway%20Map%20-%20State%20Side.pdf |format = PDF |title = State Highway Map |publisher = Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department |year = 2013 |cartography = Planning and Research Division |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140529163631/http://www.arkansashighways.com/planning_research/mapping_graphics/2013%20AR%20State%20Highway%20Map%20-%20State%20Side.pdf |archive-date = May 29, 2014 |url-status = dead }}{{full citation needed|date=November 2014}}</ref> The route was completed and signed as I-49 in late 2014.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}

====Bella Vista Bypass====
North of I-40, I-49 previously ended south of Bella Vista prior to October 1, 2021, about {{convert|8|mi|km|spell=in}} south of the Missouri state line. Travelers were forced to travel north on {{convert|15|mi|km}} of four-lane US&nbsp;71 with intersections, traffic signals, lower speed limits, and congestion before the present northern segment of I-49 began at Pineville, Missouri. The completion of the {{Convert|19|mi|km|adj=on}} "Bella Vista Bypass" between [[Bella Vista, Arkansas]], and [[Pineville, Missouri]] filled the gap and made I-49 a continuous route from Kansas City to Alma, Arkansas.

A major hurdle to the construction of the bypass over the years was funding. The 2010 TIGER grant application submitted by the [[Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department]] (AHTD) estimated the total cost for completion in Arkansas as $291.8&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|291800000|2010}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}). The document states the portion of the bypass in Arkansas is "proposed to be constructed as a toll facility, while the Missouri portion of the Bypass will be constructed as a free route".<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.arkansashighways.com/BVB/TIGER%20II%20Application%208-19.pdf |work = TIGER II Discretionary Grant Program 2010 |title = Highway&nbsp;71: Bella Vista Bypass |publisher = Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department |author = Staff |date = August 23, 2010 |access-date = February 14, 2012 |archive-date = November 5, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111105110831/http://www.arkansashighways.com/BVB/TIGER%20II%20Application%208-19.pdf |url-status = dead }}</ref>

On August&nbsp;11, 2010, the [[US Department of Transportation]] (USDOT) announced $10&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|10000000|2010}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) in [[Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery]] (TIGER) grant funding to construct a portion of the new four-lane bypass, though the funding covered only a two-lane segment {{convert|2.5|mi|km}} long. Groundbreaking occurred on July&nbsp;8, 2011, with a public ceremony that included Transportation Secretary [[Ray LaHood]], Arkansas Governor [[Mike Beebe]], and Senator [[Mark Pryor]]. The USDOT news release refers to the project as part of the "I-49 corridor", effectively ending questions about how the new highway would be numbered.<ref name="FHWA">{{cite press release |title = U.S. Department of Transportation, Arkansas Agreement Clears Way for Construction on Bella Vista Bypass |publisher = Federal Highway Administration |date = August 11, 2010 |url = https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pressroom/fhwa1032.cfm |access-date = May 27, 2013 }}</ref> The following year, the segment between [[Arkansas Highway 72|AR 72]] north and County Road&nbsp;34 was let.<ref>{{cite web |title = Route 71, Section 19, Hwy. 72 North-Co. Rd. 34 (B.V. Bypass) (F) |url = http://www.arkansashighways.com/ProgCon/PREVIOUS%20LETTING%20PLANS/2012/May%202012/090293.pdf |date = March 7, 2012 |publisher = Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department |work = Construction Documents |access-date = March 10, 2014 |archive-date = March 11, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140311043228/http://www.arkansashighways.com/ProgCon/PREVIOUS%20LETTING%20PLANS/2012/May%202012/090293.pdf |url-status = dead }}</ref> In March 2014, AHTD anticipated completion of this first segment between AR&nbsp;72 north and AR&nbsp;72 south in spring 2014, and the next section in autumn 2014.<ref name="sbpres" >{{cite web |first1 = Scott |last1 = Bennett |title = AHTD Presentation to ASCE Day of Training |location = Fayetteville, AR |publisher = Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department |date = March 5, 2014 |url = http://www.arkansashighways.com/PowerPoints/2014/030514_SEB_ASCENWA_Fayetteville3.pdf |access-date = March 10, 2014 |archive-date = March 11, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140311041016/http://www.arkansashighways.com/PowerPoints/2014/030514_SEB_ASCENWA_Fayetteville3.pdf |url-status = dead }}</ref> However, AR&nbsp;549 between AR&nbsp;72 and County Road&nbsp;34 was not completed and opened until August&nbsp;22, 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title = Second section of Bella Vista Bypass opened to traffic |url = http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2015/aug/22/second-section-of-bella-vista-bypass-op/ |work = NWADG.com |date = August 22, 2015 }}</ref>

Following the passing of a ten-year half-cent sales tax measure in 2012, AHTD had acquired sufficient additional revenue to fund the southbound half of the Bella Vista Bypass without tolls.<ref>{{cite web |last = Smith |first = Jamie |title = Half-Cent Sales Tax Projects Coming into Fruition |work = The City Wire |url = http://www.thecitywire.com/node/27235#.UaQKV5wdNyA |date = April 9, 2013 |access-date = May 27, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130514075032/http://www.thecitywire.com/node/27235#.UaQKV5wdNyA |archive-date = May 14, 2013 |url-status = dead |df = mdy-all }}</ref> Since design work had been completed prior to passing the measure, AHTD was able to let the segment between AR&nbsp;72 and [[U.S. Route 71 Business (Northwest Arkansas, Arkansas)|U.S. Route&nbsp;71 Business]] (US&nbsp;71B) in February&nbsp;2014 as the first job of the Connecting Arkansas Program.<ref>{{cite web |title = Route 71, Section 19, Hwy. 71B-Hwy. 72 South (Bella Vista Bypass) (S) |work = Construction Documents |url = http://www.arkansashighways.com/ProgCon/PREVIOUS%20LETTING%20PLANS/2014/February/CA0904.PDF |publisher = Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department |access-date = March 10, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140311033426/http://www.arkansashighways.com/ProgCon/PREVIOUS%20LETTING%20PLANS/2014/February/CA0904.PDF |archive-date = March 11, 2014 |url-status = dead |df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = Bids opened for next phase of Bella Vista Bypass |url = http://www.thv11.com/story/news/local/2014/02/26/arkansas-highway-department-opens-bids-for-bella-vista-bypass/5842437/ |location = Little Rock, AR |publisher = [[KTHV]] |date = February 26, 2014 |access-date = March 10, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140311041229/http://www.thv11.com/story/news/local/2014/02/26/arkansas-highway-department-opens-bids-for-bella-vista-bypass/5842437/ |archive-date = March 11, 2014 |url-status = dead |df = mdy-all }}</ref> AHTD anticipated completion of this project in 2016.<ref name="sbpres" />

In 2012, Missouri still had $40&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|40000000|2012}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) available for construction of its portion of the Bella Vista bypass from Pineville to the Arkansas state line. MoDOT's I-49 project manager said in an interview that "[MoDOT has] told Arkansas that whatever schedule it sets, we will meet them at the state line."<ref>{{cite news |date = December 11, 2012 |title = US&nbsp;71 Highway to become I-49 on Wednesday |publisher = [[KMBC-TV]] |location = Kansas City, MO |url = http://www.kmbc.com/news/kansas-city/U-S-71-Highway-to-become-I-49-on-Wednesday/-/11664182/17736398/-/xdgntt/-/index.html#ixzz2FWfA7GUh |url-status = dead |access-date = December 19, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131203031816/http://www.kmbc.com/news/kansas-city/U-S-71-Highway-to-become-I-49-on-Wednesday/-/11664182/17736398/-/xdgntt/-/index.html#ixzz2FWfA7GUh |archive-date = December 3, 2013 }}</ref> However, once Arkansas began building toward the state line, it was revealed that Missouri was $25&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|25000000|2013}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) short of the necessary funds to complete their section.<ref>{{cite news |last1 = Kargas |first1 = Marissa |last2 = Leach |first2 = Sean |date = September 12, 2013 |title = Bella Vista Bypass Hits $25M Bump in the Road |work = NWA Homepage |url = http://www.nwahomepage.com/fulltext-news/bella-vista-bypass-hits-25m-bump-in-the-road/d/fulltext-news/eha6UDvIMkucbPvgy-EHlw |url-status = dead |access-date = November 29, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131203032549/http://www.nwahomepage.com/fulltext-news/bella-vista-bypass-hits-25m-bump-in-the-road/d/fulltext-news/eha6UDvIMkucbPvgy-EHlw |archive-date = December 3, 2013 }}</ref> A ballot initiative was defeated in August&nbsp;2014 in Missouri, which put the project on hold for nearly five years.<ref name="swtimes2013">{{cite web |last = Moritz |first = Rob |date = September 12, 2013 |title = Highway Commission Postpones Part Of Bella Vista Bypass Project |url = http://swtimes.com/news/highway-commission-postpones-part-bella-vista-bypass-project |access-date = November 29, 2013 |location = Fort Smith, AR |newspaper = The Southwest Times Record |agency = Arkansas News Bureau |archive-date = December 3, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131203005750/http://swtimes.com/news/highway-commission-postpones-part-bella-vista-bypass-project |url-status = dead }}</ref>

The only Arkansas project remaining for a fully operational two-lane bypass was the {{Convert|7.6|mi|km|adj=on}} section between County Road&nbsp;34 and the Missouri state line; however, was listed as TBD by AHTD.<ref name="sbpres" /> Design work was complete for the roadway project and was anticipated to be complete in 2015 for the interchange. Construction of the roadway was anticipated to be complete in 2017, assuming a one-year delay related to Missouri funding.<ref name="cap71">{{cite web |title = Highway 71: Benton County |url = http://connectingarkansasprogram.com/corridors/19/highway-71-benton-county/ |publisher = Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department |work = Connecting Arkansas Program |date = February 26, 2014 |access-date = March 10, 2014 |archive-date = March 11, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140311044155/http://connectingarkansasprogram.com/corridors/19/highway-71-benton-county/ |url-status = dead }}</ref> Construction on the interchange was tentatively scheduled to be complete in 2018.<ref name="cap71" /> The final segment from Rocky Dell Hollow Road to the Missouri border was scheduled to be completed with all four lanes by late 2021 to meet up with the Missouri segment. Widening this segment was begun in 2020.<ref>{{Cite news |last = Wood |first = Ron |url = https://mdcp.nwaonline.com/news/2020/apr/09/end-in-sight-for-completing-interstate-/ |title = End in sight for completing Interstate 49 around Bella Vista |date = April 9, 2020 |website = McDonald County Press }}</ref>

On May&nbsp;10, 2017, a {{Convert|6.4|mi|km|adj=on}} segment of the bypass between the existing {{Convert|5|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} segment near [[Hiwasse, Arkansas]], and a new temporary roundabout interchange with I-49 and US&nbsp;71 near [[Bentonville, Arkansas]], opened after three years of construction and costed over $50&nbsp;million (equivalent to ${{Formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|50000000|2017}}}} in {{Inflation/year|index=US-GDP}}{{Inflation/fn|index=US-GDP}}) to complete.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://5newsonline.com/2017/05/10/new-portion-of-i-49-bypass-complete-in-bella-vista/ |title = New Portion Of I-49 Bypass Complete In Bella Vista |publisher = 5News |author = Kathryn Gilker |date = May 10, 2017 |access-date = August 23, 2017 }}</ref>

In March&nbsp;2019, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission approved funding for the completion of the Bella Vista Bypass.<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://talkbusiness.net/2019/03/missouri-to-complete-its-part-of-bella-vista-bypass-by-2022/ |title = Missouri to complete its part of Bella Vista Bypass by 2022 |first = Jeff |last = Della Rosa |date = March 6, 2019 |work = Talk Business & Politics }}</ref> Construction bids were approved in early April&nbsp;2020, and construction was expected to finish in Arkansas by late 2021.<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://www.joplinglobe.com/news/local_news/missouri-awards-contract-for-its-share-of-bella-vista-bypass/article_f34be1f4-750b-11ea-b804-439f38b7784e.html |title = Missouri awards contract for its share of Bella Vista bypass |first = Andy |last = Ostmeyer |date = April 2, 2020 |work = Joplin Globe }}</ref> The remaining {{convert|4.8|mi|km}} in Missouri were also slated to be completed by late 2021. Once Missouri completed this portion, the gap closed, and four contiguous lanes of freeway from the Kansas City region to Alma, Arkansas, near the Fort Smith area was completed. The Bella Vista Bypass opened to traffic on October&nbsp;1, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title = I-49 Bella Vista bypass now complete |url = https://www.fayettevilleflyer.com/2021/10/01/i-49-bella-vista-bypass-now-complete/ |access-date = October 1, 2021 |website = Fayetteville Flyer |date = October 2021 |language = en-US }}</ref>

==Future==
===Southern Louisiana segment===
[[File:Future corridor I49 sign.jpg|thumb|Future corridor I-49 sign in Lafayette, Louisiana]]
The [[Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development]] (DOTD) is working to extend I-49 from Lafayette southeast to [[New Orleans]] along the route of [[U.S. Route 90 in Louisiana|US&nbsp;90]], which is a divided four-lane highway between the two cities. This segment is listed under High Priority Corridor 37.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title = Statutory Listing of Corridor Descriptions - High Priority Corridors - National Highway System - Planning - FHWA |url = https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/high_priority_corridors/hpcor.cfm |access-date = January 4, 2022 |website = [[Federal Highway Administration|Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)]] }}</ref> Some portions, such as the freeway between [[Morgan City, Louisiana|Morgan City]] and the [[Raceland, Louisiana|Raceland]] area, are already built to Interstate standards.{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}

In the Lafayette area, the project is divided into two projects, the I-49 Lafayette Connector and the expansion of US&nbsp;90 from Lafayette Regional Airport to the LA&nbsp;88 interchange.<ref>{{Cite web |title = I-49 Lafayette Connector |url = https://lafayetteconnector.com/ |access-date = March 2, 2022 |website = I-49 Lafayette Connector |language = en-US }}</ref> The I-49 Lafayette Connector underwent a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement study and Conceptual Design Study due to refinements to the alignment originally approved in the February&nbsp;2003 Record of Decision. It is planned to be a six-lane elevated freeway, mostly utilizing the Evangeline Thruway corridor, except for a segment paralleling the [[BNSF]]/[[Union Pacific]] railroad line to serve the downtown area.<ref name="Laf Con">{{cite news |title = I-49 Lafayette Connector: How We Got Here |newspaper = The Advertiser |url = http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/2015/11/27/interstate-49-lafayette-connector-how-we-got-here/76261204/ |access-date = February 23, 2017 }}</ref> Planning for this segment has been ongoing for decades, but construction has been delayed numerous times due to local opposition. The most recent attempt to begin construction was halted due to federal officials launching a civil rights investigation into the project in early 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last1 = Marcantel |first1 = Stephen |title = How a civil rights investigation could alter the I-49 Connector |url = https://thecurrentla.com/2023/how-a-civil-rights-investigation-could-alter-the-i-49-connector/ |access-date = May 5, 2023 |work = The Current |date = March 1, 2023 }}</ref> The rest of the freeway from the airport to [[LA 88]] will be an at-grade six-lane freeway with a {{convert|2|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} segment of eight-lane elevated freeway through the suburb of Broussard. Work on this segment began on November 15, 2022.<ref>{{cite news |title = Governor, local officials, kick off future I-49 construction; here's what it will look like |url = https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/news/governor-local-officials-kick-off-future-i-49-construction-heres-what-it-will-look-like/article_b5f308b4-650e-11ed-bdc9-979443a0a254.html |access-date = May 5, 2023 |work = The Advocate |date = November 15, 2022 |language = en }}</ref>

US&nbsp;90 between [[LA 88]] and [[LA 182]] west of [[Wax Lake]] is already widened to Interstate standards, including a former at-grade intersection with [[LA 318]] south of [[Jeanerette, Louisiana|Jeanerette]], which was converted to a grade-separated interchange with frontage roads for local access.<ref name="LA 318">{{cite web |title = US&nbsp;90 (Future I-49) LA&nbsp;318 Interchange |url = http://wwwsp.dotd.la.gov/Inside_LaDOTD/Divisions/Engineering/Design-Build/Pages/US90_LA318.aspx |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170224003734/http://wwwsp.dotd.la.gov/Inside_LaDOTD/Divisions/Engineering/Design-Build/Pages/US90_LA318.aspx |archive-date = February 24, 2017 |access-date = February 23, 2017 |website = Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development }}</ref> From Wax Lake to the Atchafalaya River bridge at Morgan City, US&nbsp;90 is a four-lane divided at-grade expressway. A supplemental environmental impact statement (EIS) is ongoing to expand that segment to interstate standards.{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}

The Raceland–New Orleans segment of the proposed I-49 South was originally approved in 2008 with a Record of Decision for a fully elevated freeway on a mostly new alignment along the entire length. However, in 2014, DOTD launched a study to consider less expensive alternatives and to expedite design and construction of that segment.<ref>{{Cite web |title = Environmental |url = http://wwwsp.dotd.la.gov/Inside_LaDOTD/Divisions/Engineering/Environmental/Pages/default.aspx?RootFolder=/Inside_LaDOTD/Divisions/Engineering/Environmental/Documents/I-49%20South%20Implementation%20Report%20(Raceland%20to%20Westwego)&Folde |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170224003731/http://wwwsp.dotd.la.gov/Inside_LaDOTD/Divisions/Engineering/Environmental/Pages/default.aspx?RootFolder=%2FInside_LaDOTD%2FDivisions%2FEngineering%2FEnvironmental%2FDocuments%2FI-49%20South%20Implementation%20Report%20%28Raceland%20to%20Westwego%29&Folde |archive-date = February 24, 2017 |access-date = March 2, 2022 |website = wwwsp.dotd.la.gov }}</ref> The resulting design changes greatly reduced costs by incorporating much of the existing US&nbsp;90 corridor, except bypasses of [[Des Allemands, Louisiana|Des Allemands]] and [[Paradis, Louisiana|Paradis]], and a revised connection with [[Interstate 310 (Louisiana)|I-310]]/[[LA 3127]].

In the immediate New Orleans area, I-49 is planned to follow the route of [[U.S. Route 90 Business (New Orleans, Louisiana)|US&nbsp;90 Bus.]], much of which is an elevated freeway. US&nbsp;90 Bus. follows the Westbank Expressway through [[Westwego, Louisiana|Westwego]], [[Gretna, Louisiana|Gretna]], and [[Algiers, New Orleans|Algiers]]. It then crosses [[Crescent City Connection]] over the [[Mississippi River]] into Downtown New Orleans and continues onto the [[Pontchartrain Expressway]] to an interchange with I-10. "Future I-49" signage is along US&nbsp;90 and US&nbsp;90 Bus.

===Shreveport segment===
In addition to the southern extension, Louisiana officials are working on the completion of I-49 from Shreveport to the Arkansas state line. Options for the remaining gap between I-20 and I-220 in Shreveport include the proposed Inner-City Connector, a {{convert|3.6|mi|km|adj=on}} direct connection between the completed portions of I-49.<ref name="ICC">{{cite web |url = http://www.i49shreveport.com/Site/ |title = I-49 Inner-City Connector–Shreveport |date = 2016 |publisher = I-49 Inner-City Connector–Shreveport |access-date = June 3, 2017 |archive-date = June 5, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170605015359/http://www.i49shreveport.com/Site/ |url-status = dead }}</ref> A no-build proposal is to reroute I-49 onto existing portions of [[LA 3132]] (Inner Loop Expressway) and I-220 through Shreveport.<ref name="SE Roads">{{cite web |url = http://www.southeastroads.com/i-049c_la.html |work = Louisiana @ SouthEastRoads |title = Interstate 49 Northbound (Shreveport Vicinity) |date = February 27, 2004 |access-date = January 28, 2013 }}{{self-published source|date=November 2014}}</ref> Opposition regarding the direct routing through the historic Allendale neighborhood led to new proposal that would also provide a direct connection to the completed I-49, but loop around the neighborhood instead of going through it. The proposal was made public on January 20, 2023,<ref>{{cite news |last1 = Heyen |first1 = Curtis |title = New I-49 inner-city connector study corridor would avoid historic Allendale neighborhood |url = https://www.ksla.com/2023/01/24/new-i-49-inner-city-connector-study-corridor-would-circumvent-historic-allendale-neighborhood/ |access-date = May 5, 2023 |work = www.ksla.com |date = January 24, 2023 |language = en }}</ref> with strong public opposition<ref>{{cite news |last1 = Abbott |first1 = Chloe |title = I-49 connector project subject of debate before MPC |url = https://www.ktbs.com/community/i-49-connector-project-subject-of-debate-before-mpc/article_1ca1b71a-0021-11ee-a079-3f36af862139.html |access-date = June 3, 2023 |work = KTBS |date = May 31, 2023 |language = en }}</ref> and positive feedback.<ref>{{Cite web |date = September 26, 2023 |title = Alternative route for I-49 inner city connector gains momentum |url = https://www.ktbs.com/news/alternative-route-for-i-49-inner-city-connector-gains-momentum/article_b48f95f4-5cda-11ee-8c56-8f78f949f84b.html |access-date = July 16, 2024 |website = KTBS |language = en }}</ref>

===Texas===
North of Texarkana, I-49 is planned to have an interchange with US 71 and [[U.S. Route 59 in Texas|US 59]] and cross into Texas for about {{Convert|5|mi|km|spell=in}}, then turn northwest and use a new bridge across the [[Red River of the South|Red River]] to re-enter Arkansas.<ref>{{cite map |publisher = Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department |url = http://www.arkansashighways.com/planning_research/mapping_graphics/State_Highway_Map_State_Side_2012.PDF |format = PDF |title = State Highway Map |year = 2012 |cartography = Planning and Research Division |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140221204157/http://www.arkansashighways.com/planning_research/mapping_graphics/State_Highway_Map_State_Side_2012.PDF |archive-date = February 21, 2014 |df = mdy-all }}</ref> The construction of the highway in Texas is not set.{{clarification needed|reason=Is this intended to refer to the route itself, or other factors such as funding?|date=August 2025}} A north western loop from north of the [[Interstate 30|I-30]]/[[Interstate 369 (Texas)|I-369]]/US 59 interchange to planned I-49, between US 71 and the Arkansas state line, is planned according to the 2001 EIS.<ref>{{Cite web |date = 2001 |title = Final Environmental Impact Statement: US-71 Texarkana, Arkansas to DeQueen, Arkansas and Texarkana Northern Loop |url = https://www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/030108_2001_09_01_aFEIS_Sum.pdf |access-date = May 23, 2025 |publisher = Federal Highway Administration }}</ref>

===Central Arkansas segment===
The {{Convert|180|mi|km|adj=on}} section between Texarkana and Fort Smith remains largely incomplete. Right-of-way has been acquired and engineering has been completed, but construction is contingent upon allocating funding to the corridor.<ref>{{cite map |publisher = Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department |url = http://www.arkansashighways.com/planning_research/mapping_graphics/State_Highway_Map_State_Side_2012.PDF |format = PDF |title = State Highway Map |year = 2012 |cartography = Planning and Research Division |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140221204157/http://www.arkansashighways.com/planning_research/mapping_graphics/State_Highway_Map_State_Side_2012.PDF |archive-date = February 21, 2014 }}</ref> After applying for and receiving assistance from the 2012 [[Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery|TIGER]] grant program, [[ArDOT]] began construction on the new path for I-49 towards US&nbsp;71 south of Fort Smith, bypassing [[Van Buren, Arkansas|Van Buren]] and Fort Smith. Work is now complete between US&nbsp;71 and [[AR 22]] near [[Fort Chaffee]] as the first and southernmost phase of the extension of I-49 bypassing I-540. The project is explicitly mentioned as an effort to complete I-49 in the TIGER grant application.<ref>{{cite web |title = Highway 71 New Location (Future Interstate 49) |url = http://www.arkansashighways.com/TIGER/T4/71/AR_71_APP.pdf |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140221204147/http://www.arkansashighways.com/TIGER/T4/71/AR_71_APP.pdf |archive-date = February 21, 2014 |access-date = May 27, 2013 |work = Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Discretionary Grant Program Fiscal Year 2012 Application |publisher = Arkansas Department of Transportation |page = 2 }}</ref> Colloquially referred to as "Chaffee Crossing", this first phase was completed on July&nbsp;15, 2015, at the AR&nbsp;549 and AR&nbsp;22 Interchange A groundbreaking on the segment to I-40 occurred on October 13, 2022; this segment was estimated to cost $800 million, almost half of which is going to the bridge over the [[Arkansas River]]. Since then, the cost has increased to $1 billion. Construction on this project was to start in early 2024 and last five to six years.<ref>{{cite web |title = I-49 Project |url = https://www.ardot.gov/divisions/environmental/assessments/impact-statements-eis-assesments-ea/i-49-project/ |website = Arkansas Department of Transportation |access-date = April 27, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1 = Smith |first1 = Jacob |title = Future Interstate 49 to break ground in Barling |url = https://www.nwahomepage.com/river-valley-news/future-interstate-49-to-break-ground-in-barling/ |access-date = May 5, 2023 |work = KNWA FOX24 |date = October 10, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1 = Williams |first1 = Rachel |title = Arkansas officials break ground on I-49 expansion in Barling |url = https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/i-49-expansion-barling-alma-arkansas/527-3ffb0158-c3db-47fc-9e12-117f9059fe08 |access-date = May 5, 2023 |work = 5newsonline.com |date = October 14, 2022 }}</ref> However, it has since been delayed to Summer 2025 as the project is not expected to be let until late-2024 or early-2025. Completion will be in 2035.<ref>{{cite news |last1 = Tilley |first1 = Michael |title = Cost of I-49 segment between Barling and Alma rises to $1 billion |url = https://talkbusiness.net/2024/03/cost-of-i-49-segment-between-barling-and-alma-rises-to-1-billion/ |access-date = July 31, 2024 |work = Talk Business & Politics |date = March 12, 2024 }}</ref> South of this segment, I-49 is planned to follow the general route of US&nbsp;71 through the state between I-30 and I-40.<ref name="kellyjohnson">{{cite news |last = Johnson |first = Kelly |date = July 14, 2015 |title = New Section of I-49 Opened |publisher = [[KHBS-TV]] |location = Fort Smith, AR |url = http://www.4029tv.com/news/new-section-of-i49-opened/34168402 |access-date = July 15, 2015 }}</ref>

==Junction list==
;Louisiana
: {{jct|country=USA|I|10|US|167}} in [[Lafayette, Louisiana|Lafayette]]. I-49 and US&nbsp;167 travel concurrently to a point between [[Opelousas, Louisiana|Opelousas]] and [[Washington, Louisiana|Washington]].
: {{jct|country=USA|US|190}} east of Opelousas
: {{jct|country=USA|US|167}} south of [[Lecompte, Louisiana|Lecompte]]
: {{jct|country=USA|US|71|US|167}} in [[Alexandria, Louisiana|Alexandria]]. I-49 and US&nbsp;167 travel concurrently into downtown Alexandria.
: {{jct|country=USA|US|71|US|165}} in Alexandria
: {{jct|country=USA|US|371}} southwest of [[Coushatta, Louisiana|Coushatta]]
: {{jct|country=USA|US|84}} west of [[Grand Bayou, Red River Parish, Louisiana|Grand Bayou]]
: {{Jct|Future|69|country=USA}} near [[Stonewall, Louisiana|Stonewall]]
: {{jct|state=LA|LA|3132}} in [[Shreveport, Louisiana|Shreveport]]. Freeway carrying through traffic bound for I-20 west and northern segment of I-49.
: {{jct|country=USA|I|20}} in Shreveport
: Gap in route
: {{jct|state=LA|I|220}} in Shreveport
: {{jct|country=USA|US|71}} between [[Gilliam, Louisiana|Gilliam]] and [[Hosston, Louisiana|Hosston]]
;Arkansas
: {{jct|country=USA|US|71}} south-southeast of [[Doddridge, Arkansas|Doddridge]]
: {{jct|country=USA|US|71}} south of [[Fouke, Arkansas|Fouke]]
: {{jct|country=USA|US|71}} in [[Texarkana, Arkansas|Texarkana]]
: {{jct|country=USA|US|82}} in Texarkana
: {{jct|country=USA|I|30}} in Texarkana
;Arkansas–Texas line
: {{jct|country=USA|US|59|US|71}} north of [[Texarkana]]
;Texas
: Not finished
;Arkansas
: {{jct|country=USA|US|71}} in [[Fort Smith, Arkansas|Fort Smith]]
: Gap in route
: {{jct|country=USA|I|40|US|71}} in [[Alma, Arkansas|Alma]]
: {{jct|country=USA|US|71}} in [[Fayetteville, Arkansas|Fayetteville]]. The highways travel concurrently to [[Bentonville, Arkansas|Bentonville]].
: {{jct|country=USA|US|62}} in Fayetteville. The highways travel concurrently to Bentonville.
: {{jct|country=USA|US|412}} in [[Springdale, Arkansas|Springdale]]
: {{jct|country=USA|US|71B|US|71}} in [[Bentonville, Arkansas|Bentonville]]
;Missouri
: {{jct|country=USA|US|71}} in [[Pineville, Missouri|Pineville]]. The highways travel concurrently to [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]].
: {{jct|country=USA|US|60}} in [[Neosho, Missouri|Neosho]]
: {{jct|country=USA|I|44}} in [[Joplin, Missouri|Joplin]]. The highways travel concurrently through the city.
: {{jct|country=USA|US|160}} in [[Lamar, Missouri|Lamar]]
: {{jct|country=USA|US|54}} in [[Nevada, Missouri|Nevada]]
: {{jct|country=USA|I|435|I|470|dab2=Missouri|US|50|US|71}} in Kansas City
<ref name=randmcnally>{{cite book |author = Rand McNally |year = 2014 |title = The Road Atlas |edition = Walmart |location = Chicago |publisher = Rand McNally |pages = 10, 44, 58 |isbn = 978-0-528-00771-2 }}</ref>

==See also==
*{{Portal-inline|U.S. roads}}
{{Clear}}

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="fhwalog1">{{Cite web |last = Starks |first = Edward |date = January 27, 2022 |title = Table 1: Main Routes of the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways |url = https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/national_highway_system/interstate_highway_system/routefinder/table01.cfm |access-date = December 6, 2023 |work = FHWA Route Log and Finder List |publisher = [[Federal Highway Administration]] }}</ref>
<ref name="fha50a">{{cite web |url = https://highways.dot.gov/highway-history/interstate-system/50th-anniversary |work = 50th Anniversary Interstate Highway System |title = Previous Facts of the Day |publisher = Federal Highway Administration |access-date = January 19, 2016 }}</ref>
<ref name="jopgl070511">{{cite news |first = Wally |last = Kennedy |newspaper = [[The Joplin Globe]] |title = Plan Holds 2008 Finish for Range Line Bypass |url = http://www.joplinglobe.com/joplin_metro/x212062961/-img-src-http-www-joplinglobeonline-com-images-zope-extra-gif-border-0-Plan-holds-2008-finish-for-Range-Line-Bypass-font-color-ff0000-w-MSTIP-District-7-project-map-for-2008-2012-font |date = May 11, 2007 |access-date = November 29, 2012 }}</ref>
<ref name="aash070929">{{AASHTO minutes |year= 2007A |link= yes }}{{page needed|date= November 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="aard020609">{{cite web |publisher = AARoads |title = Interstate 49 (Corridors 1 and 37) |url = http://www.aaroads.com/high-priority/corr01.html |date = June 9, 2002 |access-date = November 29, 2012 |archive-date = October 24, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121024123848/http://www.aaroads.com/high-priority/corr01.html |url-status = dead }}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=February 2014}}
<ref name="ladoti49n">{{cite web |publisher = [[Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development]] |title = I-49 North |url = http://www.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/i49north/ |access-date = November 29, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121119044145/http://www.dotd.la.gov/administration/public%5Finfo/projects/i49north/ |archive-date = November 19, 2012 |url-status = dead }}</ref>

<ref name="modot100804">{{cite press release |author = Community Relations Office |publisher = Missouri Department of Transportation |title = I-49 Coming to Missouri |url = http://www.modot.mo.gov/southwest_archive/newsreleases/District7News.shtml?action=displaySSI&newsId=58768 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120805092126/http://www.modot.mo.gov/southwest_archive/newsreleases/District7News.shtml?action=displaySSI&newsId=58768 |url-status = dead |archive-date = August 5, 2012 |date = August 4, 2010 |access-date = November 29, 2012 }}</ref>

<ref name="kcur100615">{{cite news |first = Susan B. |last = Wilson |publisher = [[KCUR-FM]] |location = Kansas City, MO |title = No Changes in Store for Controversial Bruce R Watkins Drive |url = http://kcur.org/post/no-changes-store-controversial-bruce-r-watkins-drive |date = June 15, 2010 |access-date = November 29, 2012 }}</ref>
<ref name="pitch050526">{{cite news |first = Tony |last = Ortega |newspaper = [[The Pitch (newspaper)|The Pitch]] |location = Kansas City, MO |title = Road Rage |url = http://www.pitch.com/kansascity/road-rage/Content?oid=2177879 |date = May 26, 2005 |access-date = November 29, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140222130019/http://www.pitch.com/kansascity/road-rage/Content?oid=2177879 |archive-date = February 22, 2014 |url-status = dead }}</ref>
<ref name="modotbc">{{cite web |publisher = Missouri Department of Transportation |work = Summary of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Briefings |title = Comments and responses from MoDOT's blog relating to ARRA |url = http://www.modot.org/firstinnation/documents/ARRAbriefings.pdf |date = March 10, 2009 |access-date = November 29, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140222162452/http://www.modot.org/firstinnation/documents/ARRAbriefings.pdf |archive-date = February 22, 2014 |url-status = dead }}</ref>
}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Interstate 49}}
{{AttachedKML|display=title,inline}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090313033945/http://www.dotd.la.gov/administration/public%5Finfo/projects/i49north/ I-49 North] (Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development)
*[http://www.i49report.com/ I-49 Report] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228181904/http://i49report.com/ |date=February 28, 2009 }}
*[http://www.interstate49.org/ Interstate49.org]
*[http://www.i49shreveport.com/ I-49 Inner-City Connector-Shreveport]
*[https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=cc22e9d8561e4fb884b931e919560817&extent=-93.8379,32.4896,-93.7152,32.5467 I-49 Inner City Connector map](Shreveport, LA)
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060101174622/http://www.i49connector.com/ I-49 Connector] (Lafayette, LA)
*[http://www.arkansashighways.com/BVB/Copy%20of%20bellavista.aspx Arkansas Highway & Transportation Dept. - Bella Vista Bypass] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714140045/http://www.arkansashighways.com/BVB/Copy%20of%20bellavista.aspx |date=July 14, 2014 }}
*[http://wwwsp.dotd.la.gov/Inside_LaDOTD/Divisions/Engineering/Environmental/Pages/default.aspx?RootFolder=%2FInside_LaDOTD%2FDivisions%2FEngineering%2FEnvironmental%2FDocuments%2FI-49%20South%20Implementation%20Report%20%28Raceland%20to%20Westwego%29&Folde DOTD-launched study on Raceland–New Orleans I-49 segment] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224003731/http://wwwsp.dotd.la.gov/Inside_LaDOTD/Divisions/Engineering/Environmental/Pages/default.aspx?RootFolder=%2FInside_LaDOTD%2FDivisions%2FEngineering%2FEnvironmental%2FDocuments%2FI-49%20South%20Implementation%20Report%20%28Raceland%20to%20Westwego%29&Folde|date=February 24, 2017}}

{{interstates}}

[[Category:Interstate 49| ]]
[[Category:Interstate Highway System|49]]
[[Category:Interstate Highways in Texas|49]]
[[Category:Transportation in Bowie County, Texas]]