Interstate 49: Fort Smith to Barling – Arkansas

Join us as we cruise America’s Highways for about 6 miles north along what will soon be Interstate 49, starting in Fort Smith and heading up to Barling in Arkansas. This short but significant stretch is currently designated Arkansas Highway 549, but it’s well on its way to becoming part of the I-49 corridor that aims to connect New Orleans to Kansas City.

We kick things off just southeast of Fort Smith, merging onto AR-549 from U.S. Highway 71. Almost immediately, we’re treated to a smooth, lightly trafficked freeway that threads its way through the former grounds of Fort Chaffee — a historic military installation turned mixed-use development. This area is an interesting blend of past and future; on one side you’ll find remnants of barracks and training fields, while on the other, new homes, businesses, and green spaces are gradually filling in the open land.

As we continue northeast, we roll past interchanges for Massard Road and Roberts Boulevard, each providing access to growing residential neighborhoods and local shopping spots. It’s worth noting that this segment makes travel between Fort Smith and the communities to the northeast much more direct and hassle-free, bypassing local roads and cutting through open fields and patches of young forest. Keep an eye out for the occasional glimpse of the distant Ozark foothills on a clear day — they hint at the more rugged scenery you’ll encounter if you stay on I-49 heading deeper into northwest Arkansas.

Near the end of our short drive, we reach the junction with Arkansas Highway 22 in Barling. From here, travelers can head west back into Fort Smith proper or  east toward the scenic Arkansas River Valley. Although this section is short today, it plays a key role in the future connectivity of the region, as planners work to link up the Fort Smith area with the broader I-49 corridor — a vital north-south artery that’s slowly taking shape through western Arkansas and beyond.

Whether you’re a local commuter or just curious about the evolving freeway network in Arkansas, this stretch of future Interstate 49 is a good reminder of how roadways shape communities. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a spin — and maybe a stop in Fort Smith for a bite to eat or a stroll through the historic downtown.