LITTLE ROCK (7-29) 

Contractors for the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) have begun work to rehabilitate 11 miles of I-40 from Highway 25 in Conway to Mayflower.  The $36.4 million project involves rubblizing and resurfacing the roadway with an asphalt overlay.  Along with the rehabiitation of I-40 main lanes, the project will include the reconstruction of the main lane bridges at Hwy. 65, raising  bridges at Hwy. 64 and Hwy. 266 and installation of lighting south of Conway.  Work will also include bridge approaches at Stone Dam Creek and Gold Creek.

Completion of the I-40 rehabilitation will involve restricting the Interstate to one lane in various areas to accomplish the work.  For the majority of the project, lane closures will be restricted to one lane in each direction during off-peak travel hours only, with the exception of approximately 3 miles in Conway where bridge work is to be performed.  The project is being constructed by Gilbert Central Corporation of  Omaha, Nebraska and the estimated completion is set for the summer of 2004.

I-40 Lane Closures

I-40 Main Lanes – Highway 65 to Highway 64 at Conway

            Ongoing, 24-hour lane closures with one travel lane available in each direction are expected between mile markers 124 and 127 in the Conway area.  Following are additional details about lane closures in this area:

o       I-40 at Highway 65 Interstate bridge at Conway exit 125:

Lane closures in both directions began July 28^th to build a cross over in the median.  When complete, traffic will be shifted to allow one lane of traffic in each direction to travel on the eastbound side of the Interstate as the contractor rebuilds the westbound bridge.  Estimated completion is November, 2003.

o       I-40 at Highway 64 overpass at south Conway exit 127:

Beginning July 28^th, lane closures began in both directions to build a cross over in the median.  Once the crossover is complete, lane closures will cease until September, 2003.  At that time,  Interstate 40 will be reduced to one lane in each direction for a maximum of 30 calendar days as the contractor raises the Highway 64 overpass bridges.

I-40 Main Lanes and Ramps – Highway 64 at South Conway to Highway 89 at Mayflower

Interstate 40 main lanes and ramps may be reduced to one lane in either direction from Exit 127 at Highway 64 in Conway (mile marker 127) to east of Exit 135 at Mayflower during off peak hours according to the following schedule.  Lane closures will not be in place during the following peak travel periods:

            I-40 Eastbound

            Monday thru Thursday             6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

            Friday                                         6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

            Sunday                                       7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

            I-40 Westbound

            Monday                                      2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

            Tuesday thru Thursday             12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m.

            Friday                                         11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

            Sunday                                       7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

I-40 Main Lanes – Stone Dam Creek and Gold Creek Interstate Bridge Approaches

            The rehabilitation of I-40 main lanes over two Interstate bridges will require one lane to be closed in each direction according to the following schedule:

o       I-40 Eastbound Lanes - 7:00 p.m. Friday to 6:00 a.m. Monday

o       I-40 Westbound Lanes - 7:00 p.m. Friday to 2:00 p.m. Monday

State Highway 266 at Conway

To raise the Highway 266 overpass bridge, full closure of the Highway 266 bridge will be permitted for 24 hour time periods on Saturdays only as directed by the Project Engineer.   Advanced warning will be in place via electronic Changeable Message Signs on both sides of the overpass 48 hours before the closure takes place.  

Motorists are advised to check the AHTD Pave The Way website about Arkansas’ Interstate Rehabilitation Program at www.ArkansasInterstates.com for additional project details.  In the Traffic Zone of this site, motorists will find a continuously updated “Daily Lane Closures” page as well as a printable map of this and all active Interstate work zones at the “Current Construction Zones” page.  The AHTD Public Affairs Office is available via phone at 501-569-2227 on Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to assist motorists with construction information.

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