Little Rock, Arkansas (09-01) –Arkansas State Highway & Transportation Department (AHTD) officials anticipate improved travel conditions on the state’s Interstate highway system during the 2004 Labor Day holiday compared to recent years.  Now four years into active construction under the Interstate Rehabilitation Program, Arkansas motorists will encounter just 5 Interstate miles reduced to 1 lane in each direction from Friday evening, September 3^rd through Tuesday, September 7^th, 2004.  With the fewest Interstate lane closures since 2000 combined with over 275 new and improved Interstate miles, upcoming holiday and game-day travels should be the smoothest in many years. The number of closed Interstate miles this holiday season is down from 33 on Labor Day 2003, and down from 84 miles over the 2002 holiday. Arkansas State Highway & Transportation Department (AHTD) officials anticipate improved travel conditions on the state’s Interstate highway system during the 2004 Labor Day holiday compared to recent years.  Now four years into active construction under the Interstate Rehabilitation Program, Arkansas motorists will encounter just 5 Interstate miles reduced to 1 lane in each direction from Friday evening, September 3^rd through Tuesday, September 7^th, 2004.  With the fewest Interstate lane closures since 2000 combined with over 275 new and improved Interstate miles, upcoming holiday and game-day travels should be the smoothest in many years. The number of closed Interstate miles this holiday season is down from 33 on Labor Day 2003, and down from 84 miles over the 2002 holiday. Arkansas State Highway & Transportation Department (AHTD) officials anticipate improved travel conditions on the state’s Interstate highway system during the 2004 Labor Day holiday compared to recent years.  Now four years into active construction under the Interstate Rehabilitation Program, Arkansas motorists will encounter just 5 Interstate miles reduced to 1 lane in each direction from Friday evening, September 3^rd through Tuesday, September 7^th, 2004.  With the fewest Interstate lane closures since 2000 combined with over 275 new and improved Interstate miles, upcoming holiday and game-day travels should be the smoothest in many years. The number of closed Interstate miles this holiday season is down from 33 on Labor Day 2003, and down from 84 miles over the 2002 holiday.

Although there may be a few more miles closed later this fall than during the upcoming holiday weekend, sports-related travelers will also experience fewer Interstate lane closures compared to previous years.  To increase the safety of all motorists in the midst high traffic volume on game days, the AHTD recommends that sports fans and season ticket holders, as well as coaches and athletes, plan their trips according to the latest road conditions.  Allowing adequate time for traveling will also increase their chances of a safe and timely arrival.  Spending a few minutes learning of lane closure locations at the AHTD website could prevent sports fans from missing the beginning of the big game.   A complete list of Interstate and other highway lane closures may be obtained on the “ROADS” page at www.ArkansasHighways.com, or by calling the AHTD Public Affairs Office, Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at (501) 569-2227.