I-30 expansion update released by ARDOT

The Arkansas Department of Transportation officials recently outlined upcoming process to be completed on the project to expand Interstate 30 from Sevier Street to U.S. 70.

This information was released in a July newsletter.

An increase in construction activity around South Street will begin soon.

In addition to the mobilization of cranes, drill rigs, and other equipment, the public is advised to watch for construction vehicles entering and exiting the work site, according to the department.

Additional concrete barriers will also be placed to provide safe work sites within the Interstate 30 median, as well as the space between the frontage roads and interstate lanes.

During bridge and ramp construction at the interchange with U.S. 67, the westbound off-ramp at Exit 116 and the frontage roads below the bridge will be reduced to one open lane.

Upcoming work also includes: shoulder preparation for pavement placement, concrete traffic barrier installation, striping for traffic lanes, clearing and grubbing, along with erosion control.

To accomplish this work, there will be several lane closures.

Overnight, traffic will be reduced on Interstate 30 to one open lane in both directions within the work zone. Eastbound lanes will be affected from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. and westbound lanes will be affected from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

From 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., traffic will also be reduced to one lane on U.S. 70, U.S. 67, West South Street and the Interstate 30 frontage road east of the Saline River.

On occasion, traffic may be stopped for short intervals, not to exceed 15 minutes, to perform work over interstate lanes, according to the department.

The project is being completed by Johnson Brothers Corporation at a cost of $187.3 million. The estimated completion date is late 2022, according to the department.

During the project, the interstate between U.S. 70 and Sevier Street will be widened to six lanes. New bridges will also be constructed at U.S. 70, U.S. 67, the Saline River and South Street.

The interchange at U.S. 67 will be improved and a roundabout will be added at South Street.