Temporary overnight ramp closures are set to take place along Interstate 40 to test wrong-way detection systems. These closures will occur intermittently from 10 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17 until 6 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18, and again from 10 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18 until 6 a.m. on Thursday, June 19.
Weather permitting, crews will close specific off-ramps in two-hour intervals to conduct these tests. The wrong-way detection systems being tested include vehicle sensors, closed-circuit television cameras, illuminators, hardware controllers, warning devices, and communications equipment designed to alert motorists if they are traveling in the wrong direction.
“If the sensors detect a motorist traveling in the wrong direction,” LED lights will flash to inform the driver of their mistake. Additionally, an alarm will be sent to the Arkansas Department of Transportation Traffic Management Center for monitoring and tracking purposes.
Only one ramp will be closed at any given time with plans to complete testing on three to four ramps per night. Emergency responders will have access to the ramps throughout this period while other motorists must use alternate exits.
The affected exits along Interstate 40 include: Westbound Exit 161; Eastbound Exit 165; Westbound Exit 165; Eastbound Exit 169; Westbound Exit 169; Eastbound Exit 173; Westbound Exit 173; Eastbound Exit 175; Westbound Exit 183; Eastbound Exit 193; and Eastbound Exit 202.
Traffic management during these closures will be handled by Highway Police using barrels, message boards, and signage. For additional travel information, visit IDriveArkansas.com or ARDOT.gov.
Information from this article can be found here.
