Definition
Arkansas Highway 80 (AR 80) is a state-maintained numbered highway in the U.S. state of Arkansas. It is part of the Arkansas state highway system and is designated as a primary route by the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT).
Overview
AR 80 runs in an east‑west direction in western Arkansas, traversing portions of the Ozark Mountains. The highway provides a link between the rural communities of the region and connects with several other state and U.S. highways. The route lies entirely within the Central Time Zone and serves primarily local traffic, including agricultural, residential, and tourism-related vehicles.
Etymology / Origin
The numeral “80” follows Arkansas’s systematic highway numbering scheme, where odd numbers generally indicate north‑south routes and even numbers indicate east‑west routes. The designation was assigned by the Arkansas State Highway Commission during the early expansion of the state highway network in the 1920s‑1930s. No specific historical or commemorative reason for the number “80” has been documented.
Characteristics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | Approximately 12.1 miles (19.5 km) (exact mileage subject to periodic revisions). |
| Western Terminus | Intersection with Arkansas Highway 23 near the community of De Queen (in Sevier County). |
| Eastern Terminus | Intersection with Arkansas Highway 7 in the town of Glenwood (in Montgomery County). |
| Counties Served | Sevier, Montgomery, and portions of Pike County. |
| Major Intersections | - AR 23 (Western terminus) - AR 301 (short concurrency near De Queen) - AR 7 (Eastern terminus) |
| Roadway Type | Two‑lane undivided rural highway for the majority of its length. Certain segments contain paved shoulders and occasional passing lanes. |
| Surface | Asphalt pavement, maintained by ArDOT. |
| Traffic Volume | As of the most recent ArDOT traffic count (2023), average daily traffic (ADT) ranges from 1,200 to 2,500 vehicles, varying by segment. |
| Scenic and Recreational Features | The route passes through the Ouachita National Forest buffer zone and provides access to outdoor recreation areas, including hiking trails and fishing spots along nearby streams. |
| Historical Notes | The current alignment of AR 80 was established in 1937, replacing an earlier unimproved county road. Since its designation, the route has undergone modest realignments to improve safety and accommodate minor engineering upgrades, but its overall corridor has remained largely unchanged. |
| Maintenance | Routine maintenance (pavement resurfacing, signage, drainage) is performed by the ArDOT District 7 office. |
Related Topics
- Arkansas State Highway System – the statewide network of numbered highways maintained by ArDOT.
- Arkansas Highway 23 – a north‑south state highway intersecting AR 80 at its western end.
- Arkansas Highway 7 – a major north‑south corridor intersecting AR 80 at its eastern terminus.
- U.S. Highway 70 – a nearby U.S. highway providing regional connectivity in western Arkansas.
- Ouachita National Forest – a protected area adjacent to portions of AR 80’s corridor, relevant for recreation and environmental considerations.
- Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT) – the state agency responsible for planning, constructing, and maintaining highways including AR 80.