Notice to Media

Next Phase of I-40 Construction to Get Underway

June 19, 1997 -- The next phase of construction on I-40 between North Little Rock and Morgan will begin Friday, June 20, according to Dan Flowers, Director of the AHTD.

Work to rehabilitate and widen three sets of bridges from north of Morgan to I-430 began in early 1996. That work is scheduled to be complete in late 1998. The phase of work that will begin Friday will be to resurface those sections of the Interstate between the bridges. The resurfacing should be complete by late summer or early fall.

Lane closures will be necessary during off-peak hours to accommodate the construction. Work will begin in the eastbound lanes on Friday at approximately 9:00 a.m. Lane closures will be allowed Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 a.m. (19 hours) in the eastbound lanes.

Once the resurfacing is complete on the eastbound lanes, the work will move to the westbound lanes. Lane closures will be allowed from 7:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. (20 hours) Sunday through Thursday in the westbound lanes. The resurfacing should take about six to eight weeks in each direction, weather permitting.

This bridge rehabilitation and roadway resurfacing are part of the same $12 million contract. Freshour Construction Company of Cabot was the low bidder for the project.

Motorists are cautioned that the speed limit will be reduced in the work zone. Some delays can be expected along the project route. Motorists may want to use alternate routes or allow extra time.

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