Rock blasting planned in Benton County

BELLA VISTA — Highway officials say contractors will begin rock-blasting operations in Benton County as work continues on the Bella Vista Bypass.

The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department said the work will begin Thursday and will occur several times a week over the next month.

Contractors will be blasting rock on the west side of McKissic Creek Road. The Highway Department said traffic will be stopped for up to 15 minutes at a time during the blasting, and that traffic on nearby Interstate 49 may be slowed as a precaution. The work will also prompt the closure of a pedestrian trail.

Arkansas is continuing work on its portion of the Bella Vista bypass, even though the project is in limbo in Missouri after voters rejected a ballot measure to fund road projects.

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