Bypassing I-40 in eastern Arkansas

Question

While checking into a CG in Sikeston MO yesterday, everyone asked if I had just come from I-40 & I-55 to get there. I told them no, we were headed that way next. They all turned pale, then told me their war stories. I got onto the forum and found a thread about same.

So looking at the map, it seems taking US 60 west to Poplar Bluff, MO, then US 67 down to Little Rock would be a nice way around it. From what I see, much of it is 4 lane. In any event, we are going to do it today, and I'll post a recap.

Thoughts?

edm3rd · Answer

Alternative route is stay on I-55 until Marion, Ar - take US Hwy 64 west to Conway, bonus is you avoid Little Rock completely, if you are continuing west on I-40. A portion (Bald Knob to Beebe) is divided 4 lane, but mostly 2 lane with 3rd lane passing periodically. Good road, currently no construction, light traffic.

tatest · Answer

Depends on where you are going, could take US 60 all the way across Missouri, Oklahoma and. Texas. I've taken it from Virginia to New Mexico a few times in past 20 years.

It will cost 30% to 100% more travel time than using that "nightmare" section of Interstate.

I've also used US-412 to bypass I-40, it added abiut 8 hours to my usual ten hour trip from Tulsa to Nashville.

The Interstates can get hectic, but they save a lot of time. That's why they are clogged with money making traffic.

I dislike I-40 even when it was good, because it was extra miles going south from Memphis to Little Rock, then back north to Fort Smith. But it saves lots of time, zipping across the Delta then following the Arkansas River valley, vs winding your way through the Ozarks.

snowman9000 · Answer

Due to a change of plans, we ended up using I-40. They have patched the holes.

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Bypassing I-40 in eastern Arkansas

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