Page "Interstate 540 (Arkansas)" Paragraph 7

The Interstate spurs both opened in phases.

According to a 1970 road map of Fort Smith, exits 2-11 ( Van Buren through the Zero Street exit ) were opened, with later exits ( 12-14 ) and the roadway itself still under construction.

Portions of the roadway that became I-540 around Fayetteville were built in the early 1970s, but upgraded and extended in the mid-1990s.

The highway around Fayetteville originally received US 71 signage until the complete I-540 spur was opened.