Forrest City, Arkansas – Drivers traveling along Interstate 55 and Interstate 40 next week should prepare for temporary overnight ramp closures as crews conduct critical testing of wrong-way detection systems. The closures are scheduled to take place from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on the following nights:
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Tuesday night, August 5, to Wednesday morning, August 6
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Wednesday night, August 6, to Thursday morning, August 7
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Thursday night, August 7, to Friday morning, August 8
Weather permitting, the closures will occur in two-hour intervals, with only one ramp closed at a time. Officials plan to complete three to four ramps each night, ensuring that emergency responders will still be able to access the ramps at all times. All other motorists will be directed to alternate exits.
Ramps Affected
On Interstate 55, closures will include:
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Northbound, Exit 1
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Southbound, Exit 1
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Northbound, Exit 3B
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Northbound, Exit 4
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Southbound, Exit 7
On Interstate 40, closures will include:
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Westbound, Exit 275 Truck Parking (West Memphis Truck Parking Lot)
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Northbound, Exit 279A
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Westbound, Exit 243 Rest Area (Forrest City Rest Area)
Traffic during the closures will be controlled by Highway Police, using barrels, message boards, and signage to guide drivers safely.
Wrong-Way Detection System Testing
The closures are necessary to test advanced wrong-way detection systems designed to improve roadway safety. These systems rely on a combination of vehicle sensors, closed-circuit television cameras, illuminators, hardware controllers, warning devices, and communications equipment.
If the system detects a driver traveling in the wrong direction, LED lights will flash to notify the motorist of their mistake. In addition, an alarm will be sent to the Arkansas Department of Transportation Traffic Management Center, allowing crews to track and report the incident in real time.
Officials stress that the testing is vital for ensuring the safety of all drivers by quickly alerting motorists and traffic managers to potential dangers.
With the use of these cutting-edge systems, the state aims to reduce the risk of wrong-way crashes and provide quicker responses when they occur.
