Crafton Tull was commissioned to complete a feasibility study for U.S. Bicycle Route 80 from Little Rock to West Memphis. The study was funded by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and included technical support from Arkansas Department of Transportation and the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, & Tourism. The USBR system is a national network of bicycle routes that connect urban and rural communities across the nation.

The feasibility study evaluated two potential routes: a northern route through Forrest City and Des Arc and a southern route through Marianna and Stuttgart. Existing infrastructure and amenities along each route were evaluated and scored. Infrastructure criteria included road lane width, shoulder width and condition, traffic volume, traffic speed, truck traffic, bridge condition, width, visibility, and lighting. Amenity criteria included availability of food, lodging, medical services, cellular service, points of interest, and distances between amenities along the route. After extensive field verification by the planning team, the 165-mile southern route was chosen because it had communities spaced at intervals better suited to support bicycle tourism that provides the critical amenities needed for multi-day cycling trips.

The project team proofed the southern route by vehicle and by bicycle to identify issues along the route that should be addressed to create a safer, more enjoyable experience. Each town and county along the route was required to pass a city resolution to officially acknowledge the support of the route. ArDOT reviewed and approved the feasibility study route selection and then submitted it to Adventure Cycling for approval. That approval was ultimately granted in November 2022.