Changes to I-540 Traffic Pattern Coming to Ft. Smith, Van Buren
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: March 12, 2013
LITTLE ROCK, AR -- The Contractor has informed the Arkansas State Highway and
Transportation Department District Four Headquarters at Fort Smith of planned changes to traffic
patterns in the construction zone on I-540 between Highway 22 (Rogers Avenue) in Fort Smith and
I-40 in Van Buren.
All traffic will be moved to the existing northbound lanes from north of Highway 22 to south of Highway 64. The Contractor will begin making traffic changes after 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, and the changes will be completed by 7 a.m. on Thursday, March 14.
Southbound traffic will be diverted to and from the northbound lanes by temporary median crossings. Northbound and southbound traffic will be separated by a temporary concrete barrier wall. Temporary ramps will allow access at all interchanges.
The traffic pattern change will allow the Contractor to perform work in the existing southbound lanes including removal and replacement of bridges at four locations, replacement of the bridge deck at one location, rubblizing the existing concrete driving surface, and placement of a new asphalt driving surface.
After closure of the southbound lanes, removal of the bridge over Grand Avenue will begin with lane closures between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. and short-term lane closures of less than 30 minutes between midnight and 5 a.m.
This stage of work will take approximately four months to complete.
Motorists are advised to consider alternate routes to reduce congestion in the work zone.
In November, 2012, the Arkansas Highway Commission awarded a contract, in the amount of $78.8 million, to Kiewit Infrastructure South Company of Fort Worth, Texas. Work on the project is expected to be complete in mid-2014.
Motorists are reminded that the speed limit in the work zone is reduced from 65 miles per hour to 55 miles per hour, for the safety of the construction workers and the motorists. Motorists should expect increased traffic enforcement and, under Arkansas law, fines double for violations in the work zone.
Motorists are urged to use care and think ahead when traveling through the work zone. Motorists should Obey the Posted Speed Limits and Other Regulatory Signing; Maintain a Steady Speed; Leave Room Between Vehicles; Be Aware of Road Conditions; and Anticipate the Need to Stop or Reduce Speed Substantially.
Up-to-date information on lane closures on this and other projects in the state is available at www.arkansashighways.com.
All traffic will be moved to the existing northbound lanes from north of Highway 22 to south of Highway 64. The Contractor will begin making traffic changes after 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, and the changes will be completed by 7 a.m. on Thursday, March 14.
Southbound traffic will be diverted to and from the northbound lanes by temporary median crossings. Northbound and southbound traffic will be separated by a temporary concrete barrier wall. Temporary ramps will allow access at all interchanges.
The traffic pattern change will allow the Contractor to perform work in the existing southbound lanes including removal and replacement of bridges at four locations, replacement of the bridge deck at one location, rubblizing the existing concrete driving surface, and placement of a new asphalt driving surface.
After closure of the southbound lanes, removal of the bridge over Grand Avenue will begin with lane closures between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. and short-term lane closures of less than 30 minutes between midnight and 5 a.m.
This stage of work will take approximately four months to complete.
Motorists are advised to consider alternate routes to reduce congestion in the work zone.
In November, 2012, the Arkansas Highway Commission awarded a contract, in the amount of $78.8 million, to Kiewit Infrastructure South Company of Fort Worth, Texas. Work on the project is expected to be complete in mid-2014.
Motorists are reminded that the speed limit in the work zone is reduced from 65 miles per hour to 55 miles per hour, for the safety of the construction workers and the motorists. Motorists should expect increased traffic enforcement and, under Arkansas law, fines double for violations in the work zone.
Motorists are urged to use care and think ahead when traveling through the work zone. Motorists should Obey the Posted Speed Limits and Other Regulatory Signing; Maintain a Steady Speed; Leave Room Between Vehicles; Be Aware of Road Conditions; and Anticipate the Need to Stop or Reduce Speed Substantially.
Up-to-date information on lane closures on this and other projects in the state is available at www.arkansashighways.com.
