Notice to Media

Improvements to I-540 in Fort Smith

The following lane closures associated with work on Interstate 540 in the Fort Smith area have been scheduled for the week of September 16 through September 21.

OKLAHOMA STATE LINE TO HIGHWAY 71

·         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.  These lane closures are necessary to allow for the rehabilitation of the joints in the main lane concrete pavement.

HIGHWAY 22 (ROGERS AVENUE) TO HIGHWAY 71 (EXIT 12)

·         Closures of either the outside lane or the outside shoulder can be expected in the westbound lanes as the contractor performs work adjacent to the roadway shoulder.

·         Eastbound traffic will be restricted to one lane from near the Highway 22 Interchange (Rogers Ave.) to near Leigh Avenue (Exit 9).  This lane closure is necessary to allow for work on the median barrier wall.

Adjustment of the times and dates of the lane or shoulder 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.

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: