Notice to Media

The Contractor has informed the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department’s District Four Headquarters in Fort Smith that motorists may encounter the following lane closures or lane restrictions along Hwys 265 and 16 in southeast Fayetteville from September 12 through September 18.

·         On Thursday, September 12, the contractor will begin placing the final layer of asphalt pavement on Hwy 16 (Mission Blvd.) in the vicinity of its intersection with Hwy 265 (Crossover Road).  Traffic using Hwy 16 will be restricted to one lane at times, to allow for the placement of this asphalt.

·         On Friday, September 13, and Monday, September 16, the contractor will be placing the final layer of asphalt pavement on the eastern half of Hwy 265 (Crossover Road) from Hwy 16 to Lover’s Lane.

·         On Tuesday, September 17, and Wednesday, September 18, traffic on Hwy 265 will be shifted to the eastern two lanes of Hwy 265 to allow the final lift to be placed on the western half of the roadway. 

At the close of the workday on Wednesday, September 18, motorists should be able to use all four lanes of Hwy 265 from Hwy 16 to Lover’s Lane.  Traffic will then transition from a four lanes to two lanes just north of Lover’s Lane as work continues on the remainder of the project to the north toward Hwy 45.

The patience of motorists traveling in the affected area is requested and appreciated.  Traffic entering and leaving the work area via streets and driveways should be aware that the traffic lanes will be shifting and the “STOP” locations they previously used prior to entering the highway will be changing as the work progresses.

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

The work in the areas mentioned above is part of the overall project to improve Hwy 265 from Hwy 16 to Hwy 45.  The Arkansas Highway Commission awarded a $7,706,030.00 contract for this project to The Harris Company of Fort Smith in November 1999.  The project should be complete in the fall of 2002.

Motorists are urged to use care and think ahead when traveling through the work zone.  They should remember 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.