The Arkansas Highway Commission has spent $7.4 million to start work on the future I-55 in the northeast part of the state, The Arkansas Democrat Gazette reported.

The project, which will cost $50 million to $60 million, will bring U.S. 63 between Jonesboro and I-55 up to interstate standards. The highway is four lanes now, but lacks some interstate amenities, such as limited-access interchanges and frontage roads.

The $7.4 million will construct an interchange at Arkansas Highway 149 in Marked Tree, AR, which the paper said was the first action needed to upgrade the road.

Department spokesman David Nilles said the next part of the project would be the 6- to 7-mile stretch of U.S. 63 between I-55 and Arkansas Highway 135. Bids have not yet been received on that section.