Notice to Media

Improvements to I-540 in Fort Smith planned for late November

LITTLE ROCK (11-22)

The following lane closures and ramp width restrictions associated with work along Interstate 540 in Fort Smith are scheduled for the week of November 24 through November 30.

OKLAHOMA STATE LINE TO HIGHWAY 71

·         Eastbound traffic will continue to be restricted to one lane from near the Oklahoma State Line to near the Highway 71 Interchange [Exit 12]. This lane closure is necessary to allow for work to continue adjacent to the roadway shoulder.

·         Westbound traffic will be restricted to one lane by means of a moving lane closure as the contractor performs work adjacent to the roadway shoulder. These lane closures will occur on Monday and Tuesday (November 25 and 26).

HIGHWAY 71 TO HIGHWAY 22

·         Traffic will be restricted to one lane by means of a moving lane closure as the contractor performs work at various locations in the main lanes. These lane closures will be in the eastbound direction on Monday and Tuesday (November 25 and 26).

ON and OFF RAMPS— EXITS 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 (From Hwy 22 to Hwy 71)

·         The travel way will be restricted to one-half of the ramp width at various times for the contractor to perform work on the ramp pavement and adjacent to the ramp shoulder, Monday and Tuesday (November 25 and 26).

Both eastbound and westbound lanes and all ramps are expected to be open on Wednesday, November 27 and remain open through Monday, December 2 for the Thanksgiving Day Holiday time period.

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 areas of the 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.

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