Arkansas – Temporary overnight ramp closures are scheduled along Interstate 40 (I-40) beginning Tuesday, July 22, as crews test newly installed wrong-way detection systems, according to the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT).
Closures will occur nightly from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., weather permitting, on the following dates:
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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
During this period, the following off-ramps will be closed intermittently in two-hour intervals:
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Westbound I-40: Exits 243 (Forrest City Rest Area), 247, 256, 260, and 271
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Eastbound I-40: Exits 265 and 271
Only one ramp will be closed at a time, with crews aiming to complete testing on three to four ramps each night. Emergency vehicles will be granted access at all times. All other motorists should use alternate exits.
Traffic control will be managed by Highway Police and include barrels, message boards, and signage to ensure safe navigation through affected areas.
The wrong-way detection systems being tested include advanced features such as vehicle sensors, CCTV cameras, LED warning lights, alarm triggers, and communication devices. If a vehicle is detected entering a ramp in the wrong direction, flashing LED lights will alert the driver, and an alarm will be sent to the ARDOT Traffic Management Center for immediate response.
The system is designed to improve roadway safety by quickly identifying and responding to potentially dangerous driving behaviors.