Notice to Media

Highway Work Underway Near Prothro Junction

LITTLE ROCK (7-30) – A contractor for the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) will be shifting traffic in preparation for removing and replacing concrete pavement and constructing bridge supports on Interstate 40 near Prothro Junction on Tuesday, July 31 and Wednesday, August 1, 2001, weather permitting, according to AHTD Director Dan Flowers.

This work is part of the Interstate Rehabilitation Program, which will improve 60% of the state’s 655-mile Interstate system.  This particular project is part of the rehabilitation of approximately nine miles of Interstate 40 from Highway 67 to the Lonoke County line. 

Tuesday, July 31, 2001

Between 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 31 and 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 1, westbound traffic on Interstate 40 will be placed on temporary lanes adjacent to the existing main lanes from the Union Pacific Railroad Overpass west of Prothro Junction to the U.S. Highway 67/167 interchange at mile marker 155.  Traffic will utilize these temporary lanes while the existing main lane concrete paving in this section is removed and replaced.  Traffic on the westbound entrance ramp from Springhill Drive should expect delays entering I-40 on Tuesday and Wednesday morning with traffic being allowed through intermittently.

Wednesday, August 1, 2001

On Wednesday, August 1, 2001, beginning at 9:00 a.m., one northbound and one southbound lane of Arkansas Highway 161 under I-40 will be closed to traffic for the construction of the supports for the new I-40 bridges in the median of Arkansas Highway 161. 

As always, motorists are urged to “Think Ahead”, “Buckle-up” and exercise caution when approaching and traveling through work zones.

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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