SPRINGDALE -- Expanding Interstate 49 and connecting and expanding bicycle and walking trails are among the proposals included in the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission's Forward 2050 transportation plan.

Commission staff rolled out the plan and answered questions about it during a three-hour public open house Monday, kicking off a public comment period scheduled to run through Jan. 12.

Anyone wanting to see, study or comment on the plan can find it online at nwarpc.org/transportation/mtp .

Planning included polling of area residents about their transportation needs before the plan was drawn up. Any revisions to the plan arising from public participation will take place before the commission votes on whether to accept the plan, a vote that's expected in March.

The region i

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