Little Rock, Arkansas – All lanes on the new Interstate 30 (I-30) westbound Arkansas River bridge are set to open, but this will come with traffic impacts over the weekend of October 11-14 in Little Rock and North Little Rock. The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) announced that weather permitting, this second phase of the three planned traffic shifts is necessary to align traffic onto the new bridge fully. Westbound motorists are advised to find alternative routes during the duration of the detour.
Phase 2 Weekend Detour Details
Construction on I-30 westbound will require the complete closure of all westbound lanes beginning at 10 p.m. on Friday, October 11, until 5 a.m. on Monday, October 14. It is important to note that eastbound traffic on I-30 and ramp traffic will not be affected by the closures.
During this period, a specific detour plan will guide drivers. In North Little Rock, I-30 westbound traffic will be reduced to a single lane before crossing the river bridge. The detour will take westbound traffic onto the new downtown Little Rock exit at 4th Street (Exit 140). From there, traffic will continue onto the southbound frontage road and access I-30 westbound via the 9th Street on-ramp.
Additionally, westbound traffic on Interstate 630 (I-630) will also be directed onto the southbound frontage road and can re-enter I-630 westbound using the newly opened ramp. See detour map NR 24-306-A for additional information
New Traffic Patterns After Phase 2
Once the weekend construction is complete, the I-30 westbound river bridge will feature six lanes. Drivers should be aware of the new traffic flow: those wanting to access downtown Little Rock must exit before crossing the river bridge, using the two right lanes. For drivers continuing on I-30 westbound, the two left lanes will be available. See traffic pattern map NR 306-B for additional information.
Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes to avoid delays and stay informed by checking the ARDOT’s website for traffic updates throughout the weekend.
