The Arkansas State Highway Commission has approved a plan to designate a 44-mile stretch of U.S. 63 as Interstate 555 in eastern Arkansas.
The designation runs from Interstate 55 in Crittenden County to U.S. 49 in Jonesboro. Highway officials say that stretch of road has been known as "Future I-555" for nearly 15 years.
Congress must approve its $281 billion transportation bill for the new designation to take effect. On Tuesday, the House and Senate announced that an agreement has been reached on the measure, with a final vote expected by the end of the week.
The state highway department says more than $250 million has been spent on U.S. 63 over the past 40 years to bring it up to interstate standards.