Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has announced temporary overnight ramp closures along sections of Interstate 40 to test new wrong-way detection systems. These closures will begin at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, and continue until 6 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18. A second round of closures is planned from 10 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, through 6 a.m. on Thursday, June 19. All closures are weather dependent.
The purpose of the closures is to allow ARDOT crews to perform two-hour interval testing on advanced wrong-way detection systems installed on various exit ramps. These systems are equipped with vehicle sensors, closed-circuit cameras, warning illuminators, hardware controllers, and communication devices.
“If the sensors detect a motorist traveling in the wrong direction, LED lights will flash to notify the motorist of their mistake.” Additionally, alarms will be sent directly to the ARDOT Traffic Management Center, allowing crews to track and report the driver’s location in real time.
To minimize traffic disruption, only one ramp will be closed at a time. Crews expect to complete testing on three to four ramps each night. Emergency responders will still be permitted to use the ramps throughout the closure periods, while the general public is advised to use alternate exits.
The affected Interstate 40 ramps include:
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Westbound, Exit 161
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Eastbound and Westbound, Exit 165
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Eastbound and Westbound, Exit 169
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Eastbound and Westbound, Exit 173
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Eastbound, Exit 175
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Westbound, Exit 183
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Eastbound, Exit 193
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Eastbound, Exit 202
To ensure safety, Highway Police will be present to manage traffic using barrels, message boards, and other signage.
Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and visit IDriveArkansas.com or ARDOT.gov for real-time updates and detour information.
