Notice to Media

FORT SMITH (7-12) 

The Contractor has informed the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department’s District Four Headquarters at Fort Smith of the following lane restrictions planned along Hwy 71B (College Ave.) in the Fayetteville area for July 15 through July 19.

On Monday, July 15 through Friday, July 19, traffic using Hwy 71B (College Ave.) will be restricted to one lane northbound at various locations from the Highway 16 (15^th Street) intersection to North Street.  These restrictions are necessary to allow for work involving the curbs and sidewalks adjacent to the driving surface of Hwy 71B.  The lane restrictions are generally expected to be in place between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Motorists who regularly follow a route through the affected area should be aware that they could encounter travel delays.  In order to minimize those delays and the associated frustrations, motorists should allow additional time for their commute or consider an alternate route if they are aware of an alternate that they would be comfortable with.  The continued patience and cooperation of those motorists is appreciated.

Adjustment of the times and dates of the restrictions may be required due to weather or other unforeseen conditions.

This work is part of a project to make accessibility improvements along pedestrian walkways, in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.  Those improvements include building of curb ramps, leveling uneven joints/cracks, and rebuilding short sections of existing sidewalks to bring them into compliance.  The work does not include constructing of any new sidewalks where none now exist.

The Arkansas Highway Commission awarded a $216,762.00 contract for this project to Steve Beam Construction Co., of Barling, Arkansas, in April 2002.  The project is anticipated to be complete by the Fall of 2002.

Motorists are urged to use care and think ahead when traveling through the work zone.  They should remember to Merge Left Early as they approach the work zone; to Obey the Posted Speed Limits and Other Regulatory Signing; to Maintain a Steady Speed; to Leave Room between them and other vehicles; to Be Aware of Road Conditions in front of them; and to Anticipate the Unexpected Need to Stop or Reduce Speed Substantially.

For up to date information on lane closures on this and other projects in the state, visit the AHTD internet site at www.arkansashighways.com.