As of March 2023[update], a second section between the eastern end of the Monticello Bypass and Arkansas Highway 293 (AR 293) is currently under construction.

Environmental studies for this segment, including the Dean Bridge, have been completed and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a record of decision (ROD) approving the route through SIU 12 in 2004.

On October 15, 2006, the FHWA directed the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) to begin land acquisition for I-69 from US 65 to the west bank of the Mississippi River where the Dean Bridge will be built.

Arkansas submitted a $25-million FASTLane grant application to the FHWA in May 2016 to continue design and right-of-way acquisition for the 25-mile (40 km) section of I-69 between Monticello and McGehee.

[6] In November 2016, AHTD submitted a revision to its FASTLane grant application requesting additional funds to include construction of the McGehee to Monticello section.

Arkansas and Louisiana officials continue to work on the draft EIS for this portion of the route, with some changes being made with public inputs.

[14] Objections from the community of Pinebergen has forced planners to reconsider the routing of the northernmost segment of the I-530 extension, delaying its construction.

[15] Public meetings were conducted in late 2006 and early 2007, and the alignment of the north end of the I-530 extension was shifted slightly.

Construction on the interchange where the I-530 extension will tie into the existing I-530 near Ohio Street on the south side of Pine Bluff began on October 29, 2007.