Arkansas Interstate Corridor Guide

I-40: Memphis to Oklahoma (284 Miles)

I-40 is the primary east-west corridor through Arkansas, connecting Memphis (and the Tennessee/Mississippi freight markets) to Oklahoma and points west. The route crosses the Mississippi River, traverses the Arkansas River Valley, and climbs into the Ozark foothills before reaching the Oklahoma border.

Mile-by-Mile Breakdown

30 Crossing Project Status

The 30 Crossing Project rebuilt 4.7 miles of I-30/I-40 interchange in downtown Little Rock. The project was completed in late 2024. The rebuilt interchange now provides improved capacity and smoother routing through Little Rock.

I-40 Weigh Stations

I-30: Texas Border to Little Rock (143 Miles)

I-30 connects the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex to Little Rock, carrying substantial freight traffic between Texas and the South-Central US.

The Hope weigh stations catch Texas border traffic in both directions. This is a primary enforcement point for loads entering Arkansas from I-30.

I-49/US-71: Northwest Arkansas

I-49 runs through the northwest corner of the state, serving the Walmart/Tyson/J.B. Hunt freight corridor. See the Northwest Arkansas Freight Hub guide for detailed coverage of this critical region.

Key facts for corridor purposes:

• Connects to I-40 at Alma/Van Buren
• Heavy truck traffic through Fayetteville-Bentonville metro
• Hilly Ozark terrain, ice-prone in winter
• Continues north into Missouri

I-55: Missouri to Tennessee (72 Miles)

I-55 crosses the southeastern corner of Arkansas through the Mississippi Delta — flat terrain, agricultural freight, and fog risk along the river.

The I-55 corridor in Arkansas is short (72 miles) and relatively straightforward. Fog along the Mississippi River can be hazardous, particularly in fall and winter mornings. Agricultural freight (cotton, rice, soybeans) dominates this corridor.

Weigh Station Summary

All Arkansas weigh stations sit near state borders on major corridors. Vehicles 10,001 lbs and above must enter when stations are open.

Drivewyze PreClear is active at Arkansas stations. PrePass is available at participating locations. Arkansas Highway Police conducts CVSA-standard inspections.

Arkansas is Toll-Free

Zero tolls. No toll roads. No toll bridges. This applies to every interstate and highway in the state. Arkansas has studied tolling multiple times and rejected it each time. Your operating costs through Arkansas are fuel, maintenance, and time — no toll surprises.

Weather Hazards by Region

Ozark Mountains (Northwest)

• Ice storms are the primary hazard, not snow
• Bridge icing happens faster than road icing — Arkansas has many river crossings
• I-49 and I-40 west of Russellville are the most exposed sections
• December through February peak, but November and March events happen

River Valleys (Statewide)

• Dense fog forms along the Arkansas, Mississippi, White, and Buffalo rivers
• Early morning (5-9 AM) is worst, especially October through March
• I-40 near the Mississippi River crossing and I-55 are most affected

Delta (Southeast)

• Flat terrain with agricultural traffic entering from field roads
• Slow-moving equipment during harvest season (September-November)
• Flash flooding in low-lying areas during heavy rains

Speed Limits and Regulations

• 70 mph rural interstate, 55-65 mph urban — same for all vehicles, no truck speed split
• Intrastate authority required for for-hire carriers (ArDOT)
• OS/OW: continuous travel allowed for overweight-only loads under 108,000 lbs
• No chain law

Check IDrive Arkansas for real-time road conditions. For Arkansas trucking insurance, contact RMS at (208) 800-0640.