MEDIA OPPORTUNITY

WHO:                         The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) will kick off National Work Zone Awareness Week by inviting media representatives to observe Arkansas Highway Police officers conducting radar-assisted speed enforcement activities in the I-40 work zone in North Little Rock .   

WHAT:                       In unison with similar enforcement activities occurring nationwide, Arkansas media representatives are invited to participate as Arkansas Highway Police Officers, disguised as construction workers, use radar detection to assist many awaiting patrol officers in pursuing and issuing citations to drivers who are speeding.                                           

WHEN:                       Monday, April 4^th, 2005 – 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

WHERE:                    Westbound I-40 work zone between I-430 and I-30 in North Little Rock in the vicinity of the Crystal Hill & I-430 interchanges.  Parking and media staging areas will be available at the Crystal Hill commuter parking lot via the westbound I-40 Exit 148.

WHY:                          The purpose of this concentrated speed enforcement effort in the I-40 construction area is to increase warnings to drivers who speed in work zones.  As warmer weather enables the start of the busy roadway construction season statewide, it is critical to focus public attention on work zone safety. 

OPPORTUNITY :       Interviews and participation with disguised Arkansas Highway Police officers operating radar speed detection devices while on heavy construction equipment; Interviews and scenes with uniformed officers in patrol vehicles pursuing speeders or issuing speeding citations. 

Also available for interviews will be Mr. D.B. Hill, national work zone safety spokesperson for the Associated General Contractors of America, and AHTD spokesperson, Farrell Wilson, for details about Work Zone Awareness Week and the status of central Arkansas Interstate construction.

CONTACT:                Farrell Wilson, AHTD Public Affairs: 501-569-2326; fax 501-569-2698; e-mail Farrell.Wilson@ArkansasHighways.com.         

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