Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) officials announce that contractors working on the rehabilitation of Interstate 30 in southwest Little Rock are scheduled to open the new Baseline Road underpass and convert the adjacent section of frontage road to one-way operation this week.  Beginning at approximately 9 a.m. on Wednesday, September 8^th, contractors will simultaneously open one westbound lane of Baseline under I-30 and block off the westbound frontage road lane between Baseline and the Mabelvale Pike bridge.

The two-way road along the south side of I-30 between Baseline Road and Mabelvale Pike was not changed to a one-way road when most of the I-30 frontage roads were converted in October, 2002.  Now with the reconnection of Baseline Road, the two-way frontage road will no longer be needed to provide continuous access to both sides of this highway.  The eastbound lanes of the new Baseline Road intersection require some additional work and will not be open to traffic for a few more weeks.  During this time, motorists traveling eastward on Baseline will continue to use the Mabelvale Pike bridge and travel along the eastbound frontage road to Baseline Road.  Stop signs will be in place to manage traffic flow until traffic signals on both sides of the intersection are fully operational. 

            The new underpass at Baseline Road is expected to improve traffic flow, safety and convenience for approximately 18,000 motorists who travel this roadway on a daily basis.  With  dedicated left and right-turning lanes and traffic signals on both sides of the Interstate, the underpass will create a continuous thoroughfare from one side of I-30 to the other rather than traveling over the Mabelvale Pike bridge.

All work will be done as weather permits with possible rainfall forcing the road closure schedule to begin at a later date.   For additional information, 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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