LITTLE ROCK (10-10) The following lane closures are scheduled for the week of Monday, October 13, 2003, through Wednesday, October 15, 2003, along I-540 in the Lowell/Springdale/Fayetteville area.  The lane closures will allow the Department's contractor to continue with work involving placement of pavement markings to approximately 10 miles of Interstate 540, from the bridges over Van Asche Drive in northern Fayetteville to the Goad Springs Road underpass just south of the Hwy 264 Interchange in Lowell.

·        From Monday, October 13, through Wednesday, October 15, moving lane closures will again be used at various times and locations, during the daytime only, in both the southbound and northbound lanes, to allow the contractor to install raised pavement markers and apply pavement markings.  Wet pavement and retained pavement moisture have prevented the anticipated work progress this week.

Adjustment of the times of any announced lane closures may become necessary due to weather or other unforeseen conditions, as is the case this week.

Motorists are reminded that the speed limit in this work zone has been reduced from 70 miles per hour to 60 miles per hour, for the safety of the construction workers and the motorists. Increased traffic enforcement is scheduled in this work area and, under Arkansas law, fines are doubled for violations in the work zone.

Motorists are urged to use care and think ahead when traveling through the work zone.  They should remember to Merge Left Early as they approach the work zone; 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.

For up-to-date information on lane closures on this and other projects in the state, visit the internet site, www.arkansashighways.com.