Notice to Media

The Contractor has informed the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department’s District Four Headquarters at Fort Smith of the following lane and ramp closures associated with work on Interstate 540 in the Fort Smith area for the week of July 15 through July 21.

·         Westbound and eastbound traffic will continue to be restricted to one lane from near the Highway 71 Interchange [Exit 12] to near the Oklahoma State Line.  This lane closure is necessary to allow for shoulder reconstruction along the outside edge of the pavement. 

·         From Monday, July 15, 2002, through Wednesday, July 17, the eastbound lanes will be restricted to one lane beginning at 6:00 P. M. each evening and will be restored to two lanes before 6:00 A. M. on the following morning from Phoenix Avenue to Highway 22 (Rogers Avenue). 

·         From Thursday, July 18, through Sunday morning, July 21, westbound traffic will be restricted to one lane beginning at 6:00 p.m. each evening and will be restored to two lanes before 6:00 a.m. on the following morning, from near the Highway 255 (Zero Street) [Exit 11] Interchange to near the Highway 22 (Rogers Avenue) [Exit 8] Interchange. 

·         Traffic may be delayed for a short time on Leigh Avenue on ramp and Rogers Avenue off ramp in the eastbound direction during the evening of July 16 when paving of the outside lane will occur. 

Adjustment of the times and dates of the lane and ramp closures may be required due to weather or other unforeseen traffic conditions. 

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 in this work zone has been reduced from 65 miles per hour to 50 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 zone.