Benton, Arkansas – The construction project to widen Interstate 30 (I-30) to six lanes in Saline County will necessitate two ramp closures at the I-30 East/Highway 70 interchange (Exit 111) and a closure of Pawnee Drive below I-30. These closures are scheduled to accommodate the ongoing work to enhance the highway infrastructure.
Details of Ramp Closures
Weather permitting, the I-30 East ramp to Highway 70 and the Highway 70 ramp to I-30 East will be closed during overnight hours from Monday, July 8, through Tuesday morning, July 16. The specific closure times are as follows:
- Monday, July 8 through Thursday, July 11 – 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly
- Friday, July 12, 11:59 p.m. to Saturday, July 13, 6 a.m.
- Saturday, July 13, 11 p.m. to Sunday, July 14, 9 a.m.
- Sunday, July 14 and Monday, July 15 – 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly
Additionally, Pawnee Drive below I-30 will be closed to through traffic around the clock from 6 a.m. Monday, July 8, through 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 16. Local traffic can use adjacent streets to navigate around the closure.
Detour Routes
During the demolition of the I-30 westbound bridge, which requires full ramp closures, signed detours will be in place:
- I-30 East to Highway 70 Detour: Traffic will continue on I-30 east, take Exit 114, return to I-30 west using the underpass, and take Exit 111 to access Highway 70.
- Highway 70 to I-30 East Detour: Traffic will take the ramp to I-30 west, take Exit 106, and return to I-30 east using the overpass.
Traffic Control and Safety Measures
The traffic in these areas will be controlled with construction barrels, barricades, and signage. The public is advised to exercise caution when traveling through the work zone and to be alert for slower traffic speeds. Areas adjacent to the Interstate may experience noise impacts during nighttime hours.
Project Overview
This project, Job CA0601, is part of ARDOT’s Connecting Arkansas Program. It involves widening 5.5 miles of Interstate 30 to three lanes in each direction, from the interchange with U.S. Highway 70 (Exit 111) to Sevier Street in Benton (Exit 116). The project also includes improvements at the Highway 67 interchange (Exit 114). The total cost of the project is $187.3 million.
For more information on this project and other initiatives under the Connecting Arkansas Program, visit ConnectingArkansasProgram.com.
