Rain Could Expand "Stay Away" Period on Little Rock's I-430
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: May 29, 2012
The countdown is on as workers near the Wednesday 9:00 a.m. start time to begin shifting the I-430 southbound lanes of the Big Rock Interchange (I-430/I-630) in West Little Rock. [See attached map of work area below].
Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) officials say rain will not keep crews from starting the work, but it could interrupt and expand the 18-21 hour time frame allotted for it.
The AHTD would prefer that drivers who normally use the southbound lanes avoid the area altogether and take an alternate route around it. They advise those who don't to use more caution than usual when driving through the interchange area.
Delays are expected as a combination of lane closures involving one to two of the southbound I-430 lanes will occur.
At least one southbound and all northbound lanes will remain open at all time during the shift.
Drivers also need to be aware that after the shift is made, the I-430 southbound exit ramp for I-630 east and Financial Center Parkway west will be relocated to south of the present location.
The first southbound exit will remain in the current location, but will change to a Markham Street only exit.
The second exit will be the new off ramp for I-630 and Financial Center Parkway.
Message boards will be in place to help direct motorists.
The southbound lanes of I-430 between Markham Street and I-630 need to shift to accommodate the next stage of construction. After the shift is completed, this traffic pattern will remain in place for about four or five weeks.
Three southbound lanes into the interchange are currently in place and will remain after the transition, but lane widths will be reduced, and the advisory speed will be 40 mph through the area.
The $124 million interchange modification project will continue through 2014.
Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) officials say rain will not keep crews from starting the work, but it could interrupt and expand the 18-21 hour time frame allotted for it.
The AHTD would prefer that drivers who normally use the southbound lanes avoid the area altogether and take an alternate route around it. They advise those who don't to use more caution than usual when driving through the interchange area.
Delays are expected as a combination of lane closures involving one to two of the southbound I-430 lanes will occur.
At least one southbound and all northbound lanes will remain open at all time during the shift.
Drivers also need to be aware that after the shift is made, the I-430 southbound exit ramp for I-630 east and Financial Center Parkway west will be relocated to south of the present location.
The first southbound exit will remain in the current location, but will change to a Markham Street only exit.
The second exit will be the new off ramp for I-630 and Financial Center Parkway.
Message boards will be in place to help direct motorists.
The southbound lanes of I-430 between Markham Street and I-630 need to shift to accommodate the next stage of construction. After the shift is completed, this traffic pattern will remain in place for about four or five weeks.
Three southbound lanes into the interchange are currently in place and will remain after the transition, but lane widths will be reduced, and the advisory speed will be 40 mph through the area.
The $124 million interchange modification project will continue through 2014.
