Notice to Media

Work on Overpass in Alma Scheduled

The Contractor has informed the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department’s District Four Headquarters at Fort Smith of the following work involving a road closure for June 21 through June 23. This work is associated with the ongoing interstate rehabilitation work on I-40 in the Alma area.

RUDY ROAD OVER I-40

·         Beginning Friday morning, June 21, at 9:00 a.m., the bridge carrying traffic on Rudy Road from Hwy 64 to the north over I-40 will be closed to traffic.  It will re-open by 6:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, June 23.

This closure is necessary for the Contractor to raise the superstructure of the existing overpass bridge to provide additional clearance above the main lanes of I-40.  Alternate routes of travel will need to be followed during the times of the bridge closure and additional travel time should be planned for.

Adjustment of the times of the bridge closure may be required due to weather or other unforeseen conditions.

The raising of this bridge is part of a project to make improvements to the section of I-40 from near Van Buren to near Dyer, east of Alma.

The Arkansas Highway Commission awarded a $24,993,237 contract for this project to Forsgren, Inc. of Fort Smith in February 2002. 

This project is one of the projects in the $950 million program to improve nearly 380 miles of interstate highways in Arkansas.  Information on these ramp closures and lane and ramp closures on other interstate projects, as well as more information on the Interstate Rehabilitation Program, can be found by visiting the internet site www.ArkansasInterstates.com.

Motorists are urged to use caution and think ahead when traveling through the work zone.  Motorists should remember to Merge Early as they approach the work zone; to Obey the Posted Speeds; to Maintain a Steady Speed; to Leave Room between them and other vehicles; and to Be Aware of Road Conditions in front of them.

Motorists are also reminded that the speed limit on the interstate in this work zone has been reduced from 70 miles per hour to 60 miles per hour, for the safety of both the construction workers and the motorists.  Increased traffic enforcement is being utilized in this work area and, under Arkansas law, fines are doubled for violations that occur in the work zones.

For Further Information Contact:

Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department
10324 Interstate 30, Little Rock, AR 72209
Tel: 501-569-2000
FAX: 501-569-2400
e-mail:

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