For the vast majority of its route, US 278 is two-lane and rural, with the exception of portions in and around major towns and cities. The route connects small towns throughout southern Arkansas, with Hope and Camden being the largest population center along the route. As a result of its rural routing, US 278 has just one junction with an interstate highway, being I-30 at Hope. US 278 is planned to cross I-69 and even have a concurrency with it in the future.
History
While US 278 was initially designated in 1951, it was not routed through the state of Arkansas until 1998. Up until that time, it ran to either Tupelo or a place near Amory. In 1998, it was routed to its current western terminus in Wickes, replacing a vast majority of Arkansas Highway 4, which remains a distinct albeit short highway in southeastern Desha County.[4]