Driving through Mayflower, Arkansas, we explore a short but significant stretch of Arkansas Highway 89, highlighting both the legacy alignment and the recently constructed Mayflower bypass. This 5-mile route may be brief, but it offers an interesting glimpse into how modern infrastructure adapts to small-town growth and traffic needs.
We begin our drive at the busy interchange with Interstate 40, one of Arkansas’s primary east-west corridors. Just beyond the ramps, AR-89 heads westward across a newly built overpass, part of a major improvement project designed to streamline traffic through Mayflower and reduce congestion along Highway 365. Almost immediately, we cross the intersection with Arkansas Highway 365, a historic north-south route that parallels I-40 and connects much of the Little Rock metro area’s outskirts. This junction is key for travelers transitioning between local and interstate traffic.
From there, we continue southwest onto the new Mayflower bypass, a modern, gently curving alignment that skirts the northwestern edge of the community. The bypass spans roughly two miles and was designed to shift through traffic away from downtown Mayflower while offering a more efficient connection back to the original highway. This stretch is smooth, well-marked, and offers a scenic tree-lined ride with minimal cross traffic—a welcome change from the town’s older grid of streets.
Eventually, the bypass rejoins the original alignment of Highway 89, just west of Mayflower proper. From here, the route continues another three miles westward through semi-rural landscapes dotted with pine forests and open pastures. This area reflects the quieter side of Central Arkansas, where rolling terrain and wooded areas dominate the view. While there aren’t any major attractions or towns along this stretch, the peaceful setting makes for a pleasant and relaxing drive, particularly for those heading out toward more rural destinations.
The route concludes at the northern terminus of Arkansas Highway 89, where the highway transitions to county-maintained roads and smaller connectors in Faulkner County. Though the journey is short, it’s a perfect snapshot of how modern highway planning and scenic rural roads can blend into a single corridor—bridging efficient travel with small-town charm.
🎵 Music:
Guitar Peace – Lance Tabor
In the Arms of Love – The Sheen
🗺️ Route Map
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