Notice to Media

MILESTONE REACHED AT TUNNEL OF THE OZARKS

March 12, 1997 -- A significant milestone has been reached in the process of constructing the first highway tunnel in Arkansas.

Contractors for the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department working on Arkansas 540 between Mountainburg and Fayetteville have connected the north and south portals in the Bunyard Tunnel.

Crews have been working continuously from each end of the side-by-side tunnels since August 15, 1996.

After completing this initial phase, the Contractor will begin lowering the floors of the twin tubes an additional 11 feet to achieve the final shape of each tunnel.

The contract for the $37.1 million Bunyard Tunnel Project was awarded to J.F. Shea Co., Inc. of Walnut, California on August 3, 1995. The two tunnels will ultimately be 1600 feet long and 38 feet wide. Construction work on the tunnel is expected to be complete by Fall 1998.

Due to the nature of the work and the amount of equipment involved in this project no one is allowed near the tunnel without appropriate escorts by AHTD personnel.

Editor’s Note: For those interested, a press tour will be held on Thursday, March 13. Photographers and/or reporters should meet on Bunyard Road at the south portal directional sign at 11:00 a.m. Photographers will not be allowed near the tunnels until the excavation is completed and the temporary ceiling supports are in place.

For Further Information Contact:

Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department
10324 Interstate 30, Little Rock, AR 72209
Tel: 501-569-2000
FAX: 501-569-2400
e-mail: info@arkansashighways.com