Right now 51 is considered a corridor, that is a broad general path in which a route may be developed, and it is only in the earliest stages of development, which I'm sketching out. The concept is to connect the TransAm to Louisiana. This weekend I did a car reconnaissance of two possible routes. The first included Hwy 97 south to Cassville then 37 south to Seligman, then north of Pea Ridge over to Bella Vista north of Pea Ridge. It was good. A bit busy on 37 but good wide shoulders. The other route I took started from Oak Grove, MO, south towards Springfield and Clever, then back to Cassville. It had some very hilly, and steep, sections. I liked the first route better as it was a little more open and definitely not as hilly and better sight lines. I have a third route sketched in west of Joplin. In a week or so I'm going to ride them.

I just realized that you're interested in the route south of Fayetteville. Here's a link to the draft route and you can see what I've sketched in. If you have any suggestions let me know. http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3958316