Forrest City, Arkansas – Drivers traveling along Interstate 40 (I-40) this week should prepare for temporary overnight ramp closures as the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) conducts important safety testing.
According to ARDOT, intermittent overnight closures will take place between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. on the following dates, weather permitting:
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Tuesday night, July 22, to Wednesday morning, July 23
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Wednesday night, July 23, to Thursday morning, July 24
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Thursday night, July 24, to Friday morning, July 25
Testing Focuses on Wrong-Way Detection Systems
Crews will close the following off-ramps in two-hour intervals to test wrong-way detection systems:
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Westbound Exit 243 (Forrest City Rest Area)
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Westbound Exit 247
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Westbound Exit 256
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Westbound Exit 260
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Eastbound Exit 265
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Eastbound Exit 271
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Westbound Exit 271
Importantly, only one ramp will be closed at a time, and crews plan to complete three to four ramps each night. Emergency responders will be granted full access at all times, but all other drivers will need to use alternate exits during the closures.
To manage traffic flow, Highway Police will be on-site, using barrels, message boards, and signage to safely guide motorists.
Wrong-way detection systems are critical safety features designed to prevent deadly wrong-way crashes. The systems use vehicle sensors, cameras, illuminators, warning devices, and communication tools to detect and alert drivers who are entering ramps in the wrong direction.
When the system identifies a wrong-way vehicle, LED lights immediately flash to warn the driver, and an alarm is sent to the ARDOT Traffic Management Center so crews can monitor, report, and track the incident.
Drivers are asked to plan ahead and stay alert while traveling through these work zones to help keep themselves and highway crews safe.
