It was announced (http://www.couriernews.com/view/full_story/18347537/article-Work-starting-on-I-40-widening-project-near-Conway) yesterday that AHTD is widening I-40 to 6 lanes along an 23 mile stretch beginning at US 65 Conway and proceeding east. This project has been on-going since at least early March, so I don't know why it took the media so long to report this Or, more precisely: why AHTD waited so long to say something.
Up to now, it has mostly been median work, but I noticed this past weekend that construction has begun on a new bridge over US 64.
Quote from: US71 on April 25, 2012, 12:21:14 PM
It was announced (http://www.couriernews.com/view/full_story/18347537/article-Work-starting-on-I-40-widening-project-near-Conway) yesterday that AHTD is widening I-40 to 6 lanes along an 23 mile stretch beginning at US 65 Conway and proceeding east. This project has been on-going since at least early March, so I don't know why it took the media so long to report this Or, more precisely: why AHTD waited so long to say something.
Up to now, it has mostly been median work, but I noticed this past weekend that construction has begun on a new bridge over US 64.
I noticed this construction when I was traveling through this part of Arkansas last Thursday. Now if AHTD can only widen I-40 between Little Rock & Memphis...
Quote from: okroads on April 25, 2012, 03:41:26 PM
Quote from: US71 on April 25, 2012, 12:21:14 PM
It was announced (http://www.couriernews.com/view/full_story/18347537/article-Work-starting-on-I-40-widening-project-near-Conway) yesterday that AHTD is widening I-40 to 6 lanes along an 23 mile stretch beginning at US 65 Conway and proceeding east. This project has been on-going since at least early March, so I don't know why it took the media so long to report this Or, more precisely: why AHTD waited so long to say something.
Up to now, it has mostly been median work, but I noticed this past weekend that construction has begun on a new bridge over US 64.
I noticed this construction when I was traveling through this part of Arkansas last Thursday. Now if AHTD can only widen I-40 between Little Rock & Memphis...
Well, they're currently replacing the White River bridges, so maybe that's the beginning of widening that part of I-40 ? :rofl:
QuoteWell, they're currently replacing the White River bridges, so maybe that's the beginning of widening that part of I-40 ?
Damn, I psychic. I just knew that would happen. After the flooding of this stretch of highway about a year ago, that combined with it's outdated design, I just knew that they would redo it. Having such an important interstate flood, with the only detour routes availible halfway across the state really made AHTD look bad. This is pretty dang fast respose. Wish TxDot operated like this!
Was this already in the plans? Was this project fast tracked after the flooding last year?
Quote from: Brian556 on April 25, 2012, 11:00:09 PM
QuoteWell, they're currently replacing the White River bridges, so maybe that's the beginning of widening that part of I-40 ?
Damn, I psychic. I just knew that would happen. After the flooding of this stretch of highway about a year ago, that combined with it's outdated design, I just knew that they would redo it. Having such an important interstate flood, with the only detour routes availible halfway across the state really made AHTD look bad. This is pretty dang fast respose. Wish TxDot operated like this!
Was this already in the plans? Was this project fast tracked after the flooding last year?
The plans were already in place, but there was no money until the bond issue was renewed a few months ago. It wouldn't surprise me if it was fast-tracked after money became available. Right now, the WB bridge is being replaced so you basically have 2 Way traffic in the EB lanes. Anyone who is traveling in that vicinity, I'd strongly recommend detouring to US 70 between Hazen and Brinkley
Quote from: okroads on April 25, 2012, 03:41:26 PM
I noticed this construction when I was traveling through this part of Arkansas last Thursday. Now if AHTD can only widen I-40 between Little Rock & Memphis...
As recently discussed in this General Highway Talk thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=6371.0), Arkansas is going through the process of hiring a consultant to study the feasibility of tolling I-40 between Little Rock and Memphis. Here is a March 22 TV video report (http://www.abc24.com/news/local/story/Arkansas-Considers-I-40-Toll-Booths/mR4yfHiv4kmmrwJNi5G-Jw.cspx) about it. I wonder if there is any possibility of having the two new "third lanes" be built as HOT lanes? My understanding is that this is one of the most heavily travelled corridors in the country. My instincts say that notion would not fly, but I suppose the consultant will examine that possibility, too.
Quote from: US71 on April 25, 2012, 12:21:14 PM
It was announced (http://www.couriernews.com/view/full_story/18347537/article-Work-starting-on-I-40-widening-project-near-Conway) yesterday that AHTD is widening I-40 to 6 lanes along an 23 mile stretch beginning at US 65 Conway and proceeding east. This project has been on-going since at least early March, so I don't know why it took the media so long to report this Or, more precisely: why AHTD waited so long to say something.
Up to now, it has mostly been median work, but I noticed this past weekend that construction has begun on a new bridge over US 64.
This is needed, I won't deny that. And AHTD has a horrible website, period. But... Why can't I-540 between Fayetteville and Bentonville/Rogers with the Bella Vista bypass receive priority? That segment is so ridden with accidents, it's sad! Again, I would love to look at the accident statistics for both roadways.
I noticed that many of the overpasses and bridges between Conway and Little Rock have already been widened. How long is the project scheduled to take?
Also, does the White River bridge rebuild include additional lanes? Are they going to fix the roadbed both east and west of the bridge?
rte66man
Quote from: rte66man on May 01, 2012, 01:42:24 PM
I noticed that many of the overpasses and bridges between Conway and Little Rock have already been widened. How long is the project scheduled to take?
The first 8 miles from US 65 should be complete in 2014. The rest of it is "whenever the money is available"
Quote
Also, does the White River bridge rebuild include additional lanes? Are they going to fix the roadbed both east and west of the bridge?
I've not heard if there will be extra lanes or not. I'm assuming the roadbed will be improved, but I've not looked at the construction very closely.
I-40 Update between Conway & Little Rock...
The new bridge over 64 in Conway has new beams across the Westbound side. They should be laying the road deck soon. Traffic should be able to detour on it within a few months.
There are 2 water bridges between mile markers 130 & 132. Both of them have the supports in place & most if not all of the decking completed. One of the bridges has a paved approach with the base of the concrete divider. They started adding the upright part of the concrete divider around mile marker 130 yesterday.
Per the AHTD info after our new tax passed last year, we should see more construction start on the rest of the widening in July. There are survey markers along I-40 from the end of the construction until you reach the I-430 interchange. With all the bridges expanded for 3 lanes, the actual road construction should proceed quickly...let's hope anyway since I drive it every day.
Scheduled completion is 2017-2018.
Quote from: msunat97 on April 24, 2013, 09:31:37 AM
I-40 Update between Conway & Little Rock...
The new bridge over 64 in Conway has new beams across the Westbound side. They should be laying the road deck soon. Traffic should be able to detour on it within a few months.
There are 2 water bridges between mile markers 130 & 132. Both of them have the supports in place & most if not all of the decking completed. One of the bridges has a paved approach with the base of the concrete divider. They started adding the upright part of the concrete divider around mile marker 130 yesterday.
That would be Lake Conway.
Quote from: US71 on April 24, 2013, 08:30:44 PM
Quote from: bugo on April 24, 2013, 05:42:26 PM
I'm not derailing anything. I'm correcting an error. North Little Rock is a separate city from Little Rock. They are divided by the Arkansas River. They have their own identities. NLR used to be called Argenta, and I wish they had kept that name.
Part of it still is: there's an Argenta neighborhood. Supposedly has some good places to eat and a good market :)
It's served by the trolley line that crosses the river. Everything in sight is Argenta this and Argenta that. It was like a dollar to ride a whole circuit from the Clinton Library.
Back to 6-laning I-40 ... Should've been done 15 years ago.
New "Road Construction Ahead" & "Road Construction Next 4 miles" signs have been put up on Eastbound I-40 at the end of the existing construction & at the Faulker-Pulaski County lines on the Westbound side of 40. This will cover the Mayflower area. I'll post when dirt starts moving.
I agree with the previous posters...it's past time to get this work done.
Quote from: msunat97 on April 26, 2013, 12:36:22 PM
New "Road Construction Ahead" & "Road Construction Next 4 miles" signs have been put up on Eastbound I-40 at the end of the existing construction & at the Faulker-Pulaski County lines on the Westbound side of 40. This will cover the Mayflower area.
That could be problematic.
US71 - very true...they have lined barrels from the end of the current zone to Hwy 89 in Mayflower. I need signs along the side of the road talking about lane shifts & closures. It could get ugly if they shutdown lanes of traffic like it is in Russellville.
There are now concrete barriers from the end of the current construction zone to Hwy 89 on the Eastbound side. There are barriers from Hwy 89 going towards the existing zone, but the barriers aren't to it yet. Looks like that will be complete this week.
The construction zone now stretches from Hwy 89 in Mayflower to the Hwy 65 exit in Conway. There are dirt movers pushing up the grass & dirt in the median.
Quote from: Grzrd on April 26, 2012, 12:41:48 PM
Quote from: okroads on April 25, 2012, 03:41:26 PM
I noticed this construction when I was traveling through this part of Arkansas last Thursday. Now if AHTD can only widen I-40 between Little Rock & Memphis...
As recently discussed in this General Highway Talk thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=6371.0), Arkansas is going through the process of hiring a consultant to study the feasibility of tolling I-40 between Little Rock and Memphis. Here is a March 22 TV video report (http://www.abc24.com/news/local/story/Arkansas-Considers-I-40-Toll-Booths/mR4yfHiv4kmmrwJNi5G-Jw.cspx) about it. I wonder if there is any possibility of having the two new "third lanes" be built as HOT lanes? My understanding is that this is one of the most heavily travelled corridors in the country. My instincts say that notion would not fly, but I suppose the consultant will examine that possibility, too.
AHTD has posted an Arkansas I-40 Travel Survey (http://www.ark40.com/) on its website. The questions on the survey strongly suggest that AHTD is considering HOT lanes between North Little Rock and West Memphis.
BTW if you complete the survey you have a chance to win a $100 AmEx gift card.
edit
This article (http://www.thv11.com/news/article/266323/2/Arkansas-highway-officials-considering-tolls-on-I-40) confirms that AHTD's consultant is studying the feasibility of tolling a new, third lane:
Quote
I heard that if you widen the Interstate, you can toll the new lane. How will that work? This study will determine if tolling a new, third lane will be feasible. Many factors go into that decision including the safety of the driving public, the amount of traffic in the new lane, traffic speed, how tolls are collected, the toll price, the expected time savings
second edit
This TV video report (http://www.thv11.com/news/article/266323/2/Arkansas-highway-officials-considering-tolls-on-I-40) discusses the possibility of adding HOT lanes to I-40.
Quick update on the expansion South of Conway...the 2 bridge decks over Lake Conway are complete. They are laying the asphalt approach to the Southern most bridge around mile marker 132. There is about a mile of concrete divider from marker 131 to 130. The Nothern bridge has concrete barriers completed on the inner sides of each side. There is a concrete barrier from that bridge to about exit 129.
They were building the concrete barrier on the new side of the Hwy 64 overpass last week. Hopefully, they will get that side open soon to traffic & rebuild the Western side of that overpass. They were also forming the tall median divider between the Hwy 64 overpass & the Hwy 65 exit. I saw some of that last Sunday.
Traffic is being diverted on to the new Lake Conway bridge South of Conway (mile marker 131-132). It looks like that will be done today for both northbound & southbound traffic.
Just the Southbound lane has been diverted. The Northbound lane needs some more TLC before it's ready. Should be any day now for that to happen.
Quote from: US71 on April 25, 2012, 11:07:29 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on April 25, 2012, 11:00:09 PM
QuoteWell, they're currently replacing the White River bridges, so maybe that's the beginning of widening that part of I-40 ?
Damn, I psychic. I just knew that would happen. After the flooding of this stretch of highway about a year ago, that combined with it's outdated design, I just knew that they would redo it. Having such an important interstate flood, with the only detour routes availible halfway across the state really made AHTD look bad. This is pretty dang fast respose. Wish TxDot operated like this!
Was this already in the plans? Was this project fast tracked after the flooding last year?
The plans were already in place, but there was no money until the bond issue was renewed a few months ago. It wouldn't surprise me if it was fast-tracked after money became available. Right now, the WB bridge is being replaced so you basically have 2 Way traffic in the EB lanes. Anyone who is traveling in that vicinity, I'd strongly recommend detouring to US 70 between Hazen and Brinkley
Total agreement, I went through there in February and it was very bad!!
Quote from: RoadSigma on June 21, 2013, 01:10:18 PM
Quote from: US71 on April 25, 2012, 11:07:29 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on April 25, 2012, 11:00:09 PM
QuoteWell, they're currently replacing the White River bridges, so maybe that's the beginning of widening that part of I-40 ?
Damn, I psychic. I just knew that would happen. After the flooding of this stretch of highway about a year ago, that combined with it's outdated design, I just knew that they would redo it. Having such an important interstate flood, with the only detour routes availible halfway across the state really made AHTD look bad. This is pretty dang fast respose. Wish TxDot operated like this!
Was this already in the plans? Was this project fast tracked after the flooding last year?
The plans were already in place, but there was no money until the bond issue was renewed a few months ago. It wouldn't surprise me if it was fast-tracked after money became available. Right now, the WB bridge is being replaced so you basically have 2 Way traffic in the EB lanes. Anyone who is traveling in that vicinity, I'd strongly recommend detouring to US 70 between Hazen and Brinkley
Total agreement, I went through there in February and it was very bad!!
I got a dose of it last summer. Westbound traffic was backed up about 12 miles from the bridge and stopped cold for nearly two hours. On a Sunday afternoon.
Quote from: Road Hog on June 25, 2013, 01:33:50 AM
I got a dose of it last summer. Westbound traffic was backed up about 12 miles from the bridge and stopped cold for nearly two hours. On a Sunday afternoon.
I fail to understand why the Highway Dept doesn't post webcams at either end of the construction zone with feeds to the Welcome Centers in West Memphis and Fort Smith. Those with wireless access could also see the feed from their phones/tablets/etc and judge accordingly whether to detour through DeValls Bluff on US70.
rte66man
Quote from: rte66man on June 25, 2013, 09:09:57 AM
Quote from: Road Hog on June 25, 2013, 01:33:50 AM
I got a dose of it last summer. Westbound traffic was backed up about 12 miles from the bridge and stopped cold for nearly two hours. On a Sunday afternoon.
I fail to understand why the Highway Dept doesn't post webcams at either end of the construction zone with feeds to the Welcome Centers in West Memphis and Fort Smith. Those with wireless access could also see the feed from their phones/tablets/etc and judge accordingly whether to detour through DeValls Bluff on US70.
rte66man
Money? AHTD is notorious for complaining they don't have enough money (then spending what they do have on pet projects)
There are VMS's warning of construction, but it's not until you get close that they advise taking a detour.
Of course they will have multiple state troopers patrolling the detour routes...I speak from experience here...saw over 3 state troopers in a 10 mile stretch. Got to meet one of them as well...while I handed him my license!
Quote from: US71 on June 25, 2013, 09:24:18 AM
Quote from: rte66man on June 25, 2013, 09:09:57 AM
Quote from: Road Hog on June 25, 2013, 01:33:50 AM
I got a dose of it last summer. Westbound traffic was backed up about 12 miles from the bridge and stopped cold for nearly two hours. On a Sunday afternoon.
I fail to understand why the Highway Dept doesn't post webcams at either end of the construction zone with feeds to the Welcome Centers in West Memphis and Fort Smith. Those with wireless access could also see the feed from their phones/tablets/etc and judge accordingly whether to detour through DeValls Bluff on US70.
rte66man
Money? AHTD is notorious for complaining they don't have enough money (then spending what they do have on pet projects)
There are VMS's warning of construction, but it's not until you get close that they advise taking a detour.
Plus the VMS is always saying "detour" even when you can sail right through. Its really bad westbound as you have to decide at the Brinkley exit whether to take 70. Its another 12 miles to the Biscoe exit. If you make it that far, you might as well stay on 40.
rte66man
The new Westbound side of the Highway 64 overpass in Conway is open. The on ramp from 64 (Oak Street in Conway) is a little tricky on the Eastbound side.
Coming through Conway today, it is beginning to look like a freeway instead of a big CF.
If people would stay in their lane then there would not be much of a need of widening the highway from four to six lanes at such taxpayer expense.
Quote from: Avalanchez71 on July 18, 2013, 12:07:26 PM
If people would stay in their lane then there would not be much of a need of widening the highway from four to six lanes at such taxpayer expense.
I beg to differ. Traffic counts have been going up. Fayetteville and Little Rock are booming. This should have been done 10-15 years ago, but AHTD is always RE-active rather than PRO-active
I knew Fayetteville was booming at one time. I wasn't as aware of Little Rock booming.
Quote from: Avalanchez71 on July 19, 2013, 08:16:50 AM
I knew Fayetteville was booming at one time. I wasn't as aware of Little Rock booming.
Yes. Not in the same way as Fayetteville, but it is growing, if not booming.
Now if they could widen I-40 east of Little Rock....
Traffic has been diverted over the new section of bridge over Lake Conway going Westbound I-40 into Conway. This is the bridge closest to Conway. They should be diverting traffic over on the Eastbound side any day now.
The construction zone has shifted South approximately .8 miles of the Hwy 89 / I-40 interchange in Mayflower.
Highway 64 overpass update:
The Eastbound lanes are currently under construction. They have installed the roadway beams on one side of the bridge. The should be installing the beams on the approach side this week. That will leave the main span beams to be installed eventually.
I saw a report a few weeks back about AHTD planned for the Conway part of the expansion to be completed by January 2014.
I-40 info & other related projects
http://thecabin.net/news/local/2013-08-03/i-40-widening-project-nears-end-conway-other-projects-scheduled
Quote from: msunat97 on September 17, 2013, 09:43:31 AM
I-40 info & other related projects
http://thecabin.net/news/local/2013-08-03/i-40-widening-project-nears-end-conway-other-projects-scheduled
The article is dated August 3, but some of the reporter's info is outdated. The alignment for the AR 25 reroute was chosen a few months ago. Ditto AR 89.
Construction update:
AHTD has extended the concrete barriers further South towards the Pulaski / Faulkner county line. It stops at the bridge area around Bell Slough WMA. They have also paved a section of the new left lane around mile marker 133. They have paint down, but left orange barrels up to block the lane.
Quote from: codyg1985 on July 23, 2013, 07:02:11 AM
Now if they could widen I-40 east of Little Rock....
Especially around West Memphis.
I-40 Update in Conway...the last section of bridge over Hwy 64 in Conway has a completed deck in place. The crew is not putting in concrete for the side barrier. This is the Eastbound lane side. Also, the deck for the Lake Conway bridge at mile marker 131-130 is complete, but not barrier wall has been built yet.
I-40 update...the construction zone is extending East towards Little Rock. There are orange barrels from the Faulker / Pulaski County line to the Morgan exit. It looks like the concrete barriers will begin being placed this week of next.
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=11452.msg273702#msg273702 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=11452.msg273702#msg273702)
Update...the EB side of the Highway 64 overpass in Conway is complete. Looks like the center barrier will need to be installed in that area to complete the 6 lanes on that overpass.
Quote from: msunat97 on March 20, 2014, 09:22:41 AM
Update...the EB side of the Highway 64 overpass in Conway is complete. Looks like the center barrier will need to be installed in that area to complete the 6 lanes on that overpass.
The roadway on either side is still being paved, so I doubt the bridge will be fully open anytime soon.
US71...soon is a relative term when it comes to road construction. IDrive says mid 2014...we shall see. However, it looks like the eastern most Eastbound Lake Conway bridge is complete. They have only orange barrels keeping traffic off of it for now.
Quote from: msunat97 on March 24, 2014, 12:19:25 PM
US71...soon is a relative term when it comes to road construction. IDrive says mid 2014...we shall see. However, it looks like the eastern most Eastbound Lake Conway bridge is complete. They have only orange barrels keeping traffic off of it for now.
I drove through there this weekend. There are several short sections that are complete, but not one long stretch. In a couple places, you zig-zag onto the new lane, then back to the main roadway.
The new exit signs are in place WB. I-40 now has dual control cities (Fort Smith, Oklahoma City). Skyline Dr (Exit 125 aka US 65 North) where the third lane ends, will be an Exit Only lane.
There is also work beginning at the far east end where the existing (unused) third lane ends.
I only drive from Little Rock to the Dave Ward exit in Conway. I rarely get all the way through as part of my normal travels. I hope it is finished soon. I hate driving under 70mph on the way home from Conway.
Work has really progressed well on this series of projects.
Everything under construction now, should be complete by the end of summer. Then we anticipate letting the final piece, which will widen from Morgan/Maumelle Exit to (and including) the I-430 interchange.
The eastbound bridges over Lake Conway are back to their original lanes. smooth & much straighter ride through the area on one side of the road. Here's hoping the WB side are back to the original by May.
The 2 WB Lake Conway bridges have had their concrete barriers removed between the bridge & the roadway. Looks like some final paving, painting the lines & the shoulder barriers are all that is lacking before they are opened up.
The WB bridges are now back to their original path. All they lack now is finishing up...Fall of 2014 or later... :banghead:
A big tornado smashed through Mayflower, AR earlier today, and somebody got aerial video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7s2lzDtjew) of the damage in the aftermath near I-40. The winds were so powerful that the temporary concrete barriers were pushed into the construction zone.
Hope everybody's OK.
Quote from: Gnutella on April 28, 2014, 03:24:24 AM
A big tornado smashed through Mayflower, AR earlier today, and somebody got aerial video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7s2lzDtjew) of the damage in the aftermath near I-40. The winds were so powerful that the temporary concrete barriers were pushed into the construction zone.
Hope everybody's OK.
Near as I can tell, all my friends in that area are OK, but there were 16 fatalities. Vilonia and El Paso (along US 64) got hit really hard....spotters are saying F5.
Quote from: US71 on April 28, 2014, 07:34:07 AM
Quote from: Gnutella on April 28, 2014, 03:24:24 AM
A big tornado smashed through Mayflower, AR earlier today, and somebody got aerial video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7s2lzDtjew) of the damage in the aftermath near I-40. The winds were so powerful that the temporary concrete barriers were pushed into the construction zone.
Hope everybody's OK.
Near as I can tell, all my friends in that area are OK, but there were 16 fatalities. Vilonia and El Paso (along US 64) got hit really hard....spotters are saying F5.
Yeah, I saw some foundations that were wiped pretty clean, so it wouldn't surprise me. If it's rated F5, then it'd be the first in Arkansas since the National Weather Service was founded in 1950.
Quote from: Gnutella on April 28, 2014, 01:54:26 PM
Quote from: US71 on April 28, 2014, 07:34:07 AM
Quote from: Gnutella on April 28, 2014, 03:24:24 AM
A big tornado smashed through Mayflower, AR earlier today, and somebody got aerial video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7s2lzDtjew) of the damage in the aftermath near I-40. The winds were so powerful that the temporary concrete barriers were pushed into the construction zone.
Hope everybody's OK.
Near as I can tell, all my friends in that area are OK, but there were 16 fatalities. Vilonia and El Paso (along US 64) got hit really hard....spotters are saying F5.
Yeah, I saw some foundations that were wiped pretty clean, so it wouldn't surprise me. If it's rated F5, then it'd be the first in Arkansas since the National Weather Service was founded in 1950.
Preliminary report from NWS is
EF-3, but they are still checking damage and will likely have a final decision Wednesday.
That video was a drone video shot by a storm chaser. The first area the drone highlights was Mayflower RV store. The smashed white truck in the WB I-40 lane was a different storm chaser who got a little too close.
Traffic on 40 is still slow through Mayflower in both directions due to rubber necking. There have been reports of 2 hour drives between Little Rock & Conway...it's only a 30 minute drive.
AHTD...what's the latest updates on the completion of the ongoing work? When will the next section from Morgan exit to 430 start? Are there any drawings of the 430 / 40 interchange?
We had a public involvement meeting back in March. Follow this link for information:
http://www.arkansashighways.com/public_meetings/2014/061367/061367.aspx (http://www.arkansashighways.com/public_meetings/2014/061367/061367.aspx)
Interchange modifications include adding a second lane from the I-430 NB to I-40 WB ramp as well as a second lane from I-40 EB to I-430 SB ramp.
AHTD...when will the Conway section of the 6 lane expansion be open? it looks like they are close
Breaking News on the AARoads Forum!
A seven-mile stretch of the new third lane on I-40 in Faulkner County has opened between mm 125 and mm 132. All six lanes were available to motorists beginning late yesterday afternoon and early this morning.
There are still a few areas in which the contractor will need to perform minor work on the final driving surface. This will require temporary lane closures.
ALL of the work on I-40 in Faulkner County will be complete by the end of summer!
The new lanes are great! I'm excited to see when the rest are opened.
Drove through Conway today...congrats AHTD on a long and complex project (almost) done! It really works well
The present decade will be forever known as the "Years of the 6-lane with massive center concrete median construction project" in Arkansas!
AHTD...when will the next set of new lanes be open? It looks like the progress has slowed in Faulkner County
What a waste of taxpayer money.
Avalanchez71...with the traffic loading from Faulkner County coming to Little Rock every day it makes sense. Luckily I drive opposite of the heavy traffic, but it is needed for the area.
Quote from: Avalanchez71 on May 26, 2014, 04:07:02 PM
What a waste of taxpayer money.
While the highway dept is good at that, I don't think that is the case here.
Quote from: US71 on May 27, 2014, 11:31:52 AM
Quote from: Avalanchez71 on May 26, 2014, 04:07:02 PM
What a waste of taxpayer money.
While the highway dept is good at that, I don't think that is the case here.
With trucking traffic I-40 needs to be 6 laned from Oklahoma City to the I-81 interchange.
iPhone
AHTD...what's the next milestone in this project? I could see some of the westbound opening up between the Mayflower / Highway 89 overpass & the old weigh station.
The next milestone is to bid the I-40/I-430 interchange AND the last segment up to State Highway 365 (Morgan/Maumelle Exit).
Everything under construction now should be complete by the end of summer.
AHTD...do you expect the entire section under construction to open at once or to open the Faulkner County section open first? The Faulkner county section looks like it could be opened with some focused effort in a month or 6 weeks. The Pulaski County section looks like a true September completion.
One governed 18 wheeler passing another governed 18 wheeler between Memphis and LR is an endless frustration. So wish we could do what Texas did and put in the tolled express lanes.
I-40 update...the concrete roadway barriers in Faulkner County have bene taken down. Looks like the paving of the new lanes & inside shoulders should begin soon. The section through Mayflower could be done by Labor Day (I hope sooner).
Quote from: Wayward Memphian on June 22, 2014, 12:48:53 AM
One governed 18 wheeler passing another governed 18 wheeler between Memphis and LR is an endless frustration. So wish we could do what Texas did and put in the tolled express lanes.
We are putting the finishing touches on the executive summary for the study, which will be presented to the Arkansas Highway Commission on July 23rd.
We'll post a copy of it here, of course!
Now more folks will move into the area with the six lanes and then you will need eight lanes in five years.
That's how development works
Quote from: Avalanchez71 on July 15, 2014, 12:55:43 PM
Now more folks will move into the area with the six lanes and then you will need eight lanes in five years.
There are already plans to 8-Lane I-49 in NW Arkansas at some later date. Nothing engraved in stone, but I've seen a couple proposals.
The next section of I-40 to open in Faulkner County has paint lines for the median & new lanes. There's still some shoulder paving & rumble strip work to be done. A new "lane ends" sign was installed as well. Looks like we're close to getting 2 more lanes on I-40.
I saw an electronic message about a I-40 closure on Sunday 8/17. This is where they are hanging beams for the new Conway exit. I don't know the time however.
I was through there this weekend. I noticed the overhead signs use Little Rock and Memphis for EB Control Cities, with Fort Smith and Oklahoma City for WB. A few idiots think the far right lane is only for merging, not driving.
UPDATE: I-40 EB is now 6 lanes from Conway to the Faulkner / Pulaski county lines. Looks the I-40 WB will be opened this week.
AHTD: What's the latest on the county line to Morgan Exit construction? Looks like everything has stalled after the completion of the median barrier.
AHTD: Any updates?
Preliminary dirt / tree removal work has started on the last segment from the Highway 365 exit at Morgan to the I-40/I-430 interchange. Expected completion is middle of 2016.
Update: The EB section of I-40 from the county line to the Morgan / Highway 365 exit has ben painted. It should be a matter of days until it is open. The WB side hasn't been painted yet. No idea on timing. AHTD will have to answer if they can.
Update: Most of the WB side has been painted. I hope they finish it today. Still no update from AHTD (imagine that) on the timing to open this segment.
Looks like the new sections are now open with the new lanes.
Quote from: msunat97 on December 10, 2014, 09:26:57 AM
Looks like the new sections are now open with the new lanes.
Nice! I drove on it Monday, and it looked very close to being complete. Good to see that they have it open now.
Quote from: msunat97 on December 09, 2014, 09:36:50 AM
Update: Most of the WB side has been painted. I hope they finish it today. Still no update from AHTD (imagine that) on the timing to open this segment.
Last I heard form AHTD, I think they were making upgrades to IDRIVEARKANSAS so weren't on line very often.
Getting the ball rolling on widening 28 miles east of Little Rock within the next 3 years. In the Draft 2023-2026 STIP, ARDOT has 17 miles from AR-440 to AR-31 at Lonoke and 12 miles from Jennette to W. Memphis scheduled for project development funding. Now for the remaining 92 miles...
https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2023-2026_STIP_Draft_General_Electronic.pdf (https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2023-2026_STIP_Draft_General_Electronic.pdf) Pg. 2 (Slide 33)
Quote from: MikieTimT on September 19, 2022, 02:12:17 PM
Getting the ball rolling on widening 28 miles east of Little Rock within the next 3 years. In the Draft 2023-2026 STIP, ARDOT has 17 miles from AR-440 to AR-31 at Lonoke and 12 miles from Jennette to W. Memphis scheduled for project development funding. Now for the remaining 92 miles...
https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2023-2026_STIP_Draft_General_Electronic.pdf (https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2023-2026_STIP_Draft_General_Electronic.pdf) Pg. 2 (Slide 33)
That is excellent news! Those aren't insignificant segments, either.
Quote from: codyg1985 on September 19, 2022, 02:21:08 PM
Quote from: MikieTimT on September 19, 2022, 02:12:17 PM
Getting the ball rolling on widening 28 miles east of Little Rock within the next 3 years. In the Draft 2023-2026 STIP, ARDOT has 17 miles from AR-440 to AR-31 at Lonoke and 12 miles from Jennette to W. Memphis scheduled for project development funding. Now for the remaining 92 miles...
https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2023-2026_STIP_Draft_General_Electronic.pdf (https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2023-2026_STIP_Draft_General_Electronic.pdf) Pg. 2 (Slide 33)
That is excellent news! Those aren't insignificant segments, either.
ARDOT should next do a segment in the middle for relief. When they rebuilt the White River bridge, they designed it with 6 lanes in mind.
The bump from 8 years ago threw me off at first.
Quote from: Road Hog on September 21, 2022, 11:53:52 AM
Quote from: codyg1985 on September 19, 2022, 02:21:08 PM
Quote from: MikieTimT on September 19, 2022, 02:12:17 PM
Getting the ball rolling on widening 28 miles east of Little Rock within the next 3 years. In the Draft 2023-2026 STIP, ARDOT has 17 miles from AR-440 to AR-31 at Lonoke and 12 miles from Jennette to W. Memphis scheduled for project development funding. Now for the remaining 92 miles...
https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2023-2026_STIP_Draft_General_Electronic.pdf (https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2023-2026_STIP_Draft_General_Electronic.pdf) Pg. 2 (Slide 33)
That is excellent news! Those aren't insignificant segments, either.
ARDOT should next do a segment in the middle for relief. When they rebuilt the White River bridge, they designed it with 6 lanes in mind.
The bump from 8 years ago threw me off at first.
I'm sure they will once funding becomes available. Being a pay-as-you-go state means that everything gets done piecemeal unless the feds can kick in an earmark or two to actually handle what is truly an interstate resource. Most of the traffic between Little Rock and Memphis isn't local/in-state traffic, exception being the segments being funded in the STIP. At least they'll have the higher density segments done by then to address the worst areas first.
At least the overpass that prevents filling and adding the innermost 2 lanes in the median with a divider is being replaced at Remington Rd.
Not sure how much local traffic is part of the mix in either direction. Lonoke sits a 20-minute drive from McCain Mall and remains a backwater – and I'm rooting for Lonoke to prosper. "Small town charm" runneth over but hasn't helped Lonoke much. An I-40 expansion might help, but there is zero development there.
Quote from: Road Hog on September 22, 2022, 07:40:23 PM
Not sure how much local traffic is part of the mix in either direction. Lonoke sits a 20-minute drive from McCain Mall and remains a backwater – and I'm rooting for Lonoke to prosper. "Small town charm" runneth over but hasn't helped Lonoke much. An I-40 expansion might help, but there is zero development there.
It'll grow eventually. Most of the current growth is west, southwest and northeast in the metro area, but it's only a matter of time before land values dictate that it's turn comes.
Quote from: MikieTimT on September 23, 2022, 10:39:53 AM
Quote from: Road Hog on September 22, 2022, 07:40:23 PM
Not sure how much local traffic is part of the mix in either direction. Lonoke sits a 20-minute drive from McCain Mall and remains a backwater – and I'm rooting for Lonoke to prosper. "Small town charm" runneth over but hasn't helped Lonoke much. An I-40 expansion might help, but there is zero development there.
It'll grow eventually. Most of the current growth is west, southwest and northeast in the metro area, but it's only a matter of time before land values dictate that it's turn comes.
We have a similar issue in Columbia, SC. All of the growth has been west, northwest, and northeast. Very little to the south or southeast down I-26, closer to where I live.
Anyway, I agree that they should try widening a section of 40 in the middle, around the White River and Brinkley, as relief. Here in SC, they're finally nailing down the details for widening I-26 b/w Columbia and Charleston, and I think they may widen a relief section in the middle first, near I-95.
Knowing how ARDOT works, about the time they finish 6-laning, it will need 8-laning.
Quote from: US71 on September 25, 2022, 11:12:35 PM
Knowing how ARDOT works, about the time they finish 6-laning, it will need 8-laning.
You must drive I-49 between Fayetteville and Rogers often, lol. I said that when they widened it, go for 8 lanes or build the bridges and overpasses to accommodate it later.
Quote from: Wayward Memphian on October 07, 2022, 09:43:08 AM
Quote from: US71 on September 25, 2022, 11:12:35 PM
Knowing how ARDOT works, about the time they finish 6-laning, it will need 8-laning.
You must drive I-49 between Fayetteville and Rogers often, lol. I said that when they widened it, go for 8 lanes or build the bridges and overpasses to accommodate it later.
Too often. I've come up with a slogan for ARDOT: Building for yesterday, sometime next week :spin:
Quote from: Wayward Memphian on October 07, 2022, 09:43:08 AM
Quote from: US71 on September 25, 2022, 11:12:35 PM
Knowing how ARDOT works, about the time they finish 6-laning, it will need 8-laning.
You must drive I-49 between Fayetteville and Rogers often, lol. I said that when they widened it, go for 8 lanes or build the bridges and overpasses to accommodate it later.
Same here. Thankfully they're doing some of it with the Wedington and MLK interchange projects, but that's only for Fayetteville. It's pretty much already needed anywhere from the Don Tyson exit up to Exit 86. And it already needs 6 laning from the Pea Ridge exit to the US-71 exit at Bella Vista.
Quote from: MikieTimT on October 07, 2022, 10:02:48 AM
Quote from: Wayward Memphian on October 07, 2022, 09:43:08 AM
Quote from: US71 on September 25, 2022, 11:12:35 PM
Knowing how ARDOT works, about the time they finish 6-laning, it will need 8-laning.
You must drive I-49 between Fayetteville and Rogers often, lol. I said that when they widened it, go for 8 lanes or build the bridges and overpasses to accommodate it later.
Same here. Thankfully they're doing some of it with the Wedington and MLK interchange projects, but that's only for Fayetteville. It's pretty much already needed anywhere from the Don Tyson exit up to Exit 86. And it already needs 6 laning from the Pea Ridge exit to the US-71 exit at Bella Vista.
I couldn't agree more with the bold part (hopefully I bolded it from the IPad) I drive that section regularly.
Quote from: MikieTimT on October 07, 2022, 10:02:48 AM
Same here. Thankfully they're doing some of it with the Wedington and MLK interchange projects, but that's only for Fayetteville. It's pretty much already needed anywhere from the Don Tyson exit up to Exit 86. And it already needs 6 laning from the Pea Ridge exit to the US-71 exit at Bella Vista.
IIRC, Wedington will be a Diverging Diamond
Quote from: US71 on October 07, 2022, 05:16:58 PM
Quote from: MikieTimT on October 07, 2022, 10:02:48 AM
Same here. Thankfully they're doing some of it with the Wedington and MLK interchange projects, but that's only for Fayetteville. It's pretty much already needed anywhere from the Don Tyson exit up to Exit 86. And it already needs 6 laning from the Pea Ridge exit to the US-71 exit at Bella Vista.
IIRC, Wedington will be a Diverging Diamond
Not unless they made significant changes to the plan, which was a parclo loop for northbound I-49 from eastbound Wedington.
https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4753/BB0411-_Exit64_Exhibit?bidId= (https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4753/BB0411-_Exit64_Exhibit?bidId=)
https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/DocumentCenter/View/22355/040847---I49--Wedington-Interchange-Bid-Plans (https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/DocumentCenter/View/22355/040847---I49--Wedington-Interchange-Bid-Plans)
Quote from: Wayward Memphian on October 07, 2022, 09:43:08 AM
Quote from: US71 on September 25, 2022, 11:12:35 PM
Knowing how ARDOT works, about the time they finish 6-laning, it will need 8-laning.
You must drive I-49 between Fayetteville and Rogers often, lol. I said that when they widened it, go for 8 lanes or build the bridges and overpasses to accommodate it later.
I was shocked that OTA did actually provide for an expansion to 8 lanes when they widened I-44 between Kellyville and Sapulpa. All bridges are already wide enough and all overpasses have piers set back far enough so the future expansion will be a breeze. I say that because maybe there's hope for ArDOT to wake up to this.
Quote from: rte66man on October 12, 2022, 08:57:52 AM
Quote from: Wayward Memphian on October 07, 2022, 09:43:08 AM
Quote from: US71 on September 25, 2022, 11:12:35 PM
Knowing how ARDOT works, about the time they finish 6-laning, it will need 8-laning.
You must drive I-49 between Fayetteville and Rogers often, lol. I said that when they widened it, go for 8 lanes or build the bridges and overpasses to accommodate it later.
I was shocked that OTA did actually provide for an expansion to 8 lanes when they widened I-44 between Kellyville and Sapulpa. All bridges are already wide enough and all overpasses have piers set back far enough so the future expansion will be a breeze. I say that because maybe there's hope for ArDOT to wake up to this.
The White River bridge on I-40 is built for 6 lanes even though it's striped currently for 4. Same thing for 1 of the 2 St. Francis River bridges. They are waking up, slowly but surely. These are the greatest hurdles for 6 laning between LR and Memphis, so it's starting to sink in, apparently.
A pretty sobering picture of the quantity of truck traffic on this stretch. Glad I'm not driving anywhere in northern Arkansas today.
https://htv-streaming.hearst.io/8d513013-64c6-40d1-808b-041c47c7a101/video_rover_16x9_480p_sd_1675184977_13674.mp4 (https://htv-streaming.hearst.io/8d513013-64c6-40d1-808b-041c47c7a101/video_rover_16x9_480p_sd_1675184977_13674.mp4)
Quote from: MikieTimT on January 31, 2023, 06:48:24 PM
A pretty sobering picture of the quantity of truck traffic on this stretch. Glad I'm not driving anywhere in northern Arkansas today.
https://htv-streaming.hearst.io/8d513013-64c6-40d1-808b-041c47c7a101/video_rover_16x9_480p_sd_1675184977_13674.mp4 (https://htv-streaming.hearst.io/8d513013-64c6-40d1-808b-041c47c7a101/video_rover_16x9_480p_sd_1675184977_13674.mp4)
Forrest City is eastern Arkansas , but it seems like a lot of accidents occur in that area.
Quote from: MikieTimT on January 31, 2023, 06:48:24 PM
A pretty sobering picture of the quantity of truck traffic on this stretch. Glad I'm not driving anywhere in northern Arkansas today.
https://htv-streaming.hearst.io/8d513013-64c6-40d1-808b-041c47c7a101/video_rover_16x9_480p_sd_1675184977_13674.mp4 (https://htv-streaming.hearst.io/8d513013-64c6-40d1-808b-041c47c7a101/video_rover_16x9_480p_sd_1675184977_13674.mp4)
You should see how many drive US 70 along side I-40 even without traffic tie ups on I-40.
Quote from: US71 on January 31, 2023, 11:27:18 PM
Quote from: MikieTimT on January 31, 2023, 06:48:24 PM
A pretty sobering picture of the quantity of truck traffic on this stretch. Glad I'm not driving anywhere in northern Arkansas today.
https://htv-streaming.hearst.io/8d513013-64c6-40d1-808b-041c47c7a101/video_rover_16x9_480p_sd_1675184977_13674.mp4 (https://htv-streaming.hearst.io/8d513013-64c6-40d1-808b-041c47c7a101/video_rover_16x9_480p_sd_1675184977_13674.mp4)
Forrest City is eastern Arkansas , but it seems like a lot of accidents occur in that area.
Last month I was stuck in a jam like that for 70 minutes without moving in that general area. Not good that this is happening so often.
Quote from: CoreySamson on February 03, 2023, 09:07:34 PM
Last month I was stuck in a jam like that for 70 minutes without moving in that general area. Not good that this is happening so often.
Imagine what it'll be like when closing a lane in either direction for construction?
Quote from: MikieTimT on February 04, 2023, 11:57:27 AM
Quote from: CoreySamson on February 03, 2023, 09:07:34 PM
Last month I was stuck in a jam like that for 70 minutes without moving in that general area. Not good that this is happening so often.
Imagine what it'll be like when closing a lane in either direction for construction?
I experienced it about 11 years ago driving back from Tennessee when they were widening the White River bridge. The backup stretched from the bridge all the back to the Brinkley exit. And this was on a Sunday in mid-June.
Quote from: Road Hog on February 04, 2023, 04:21:33 PM
Quote from: MikieTimT on February 04, 2023, 11:57:27 AM
Quote from: CoreySamson on February 03, 2023, 09:07:34 PM
Last month I was stuck in a jam like that for 70 minutes without moving in that general area. Not good that this is happening so often.
Imagine what it'll be like when closing a lane in either direction for construction?
I experienced it about 11 years ago driving back from Tennessee when they were widening the White River bridge. The backup stretched from the bridge all the back to the Brinkley exit. And this was on a Sunday in mid-June.
It doesn't matter what day of the week with that stretch. It's mostly interstate traffic, so the bulk isn't made up of commuters anyway. May get a little slower at night with truckers pulling off to sleep, but during daylight hours, it doesn't seem to matter much.
Quote from: Road Hog on February 04, 2023, 04:21:33 PM
Quote from: MikieTimT on February 04, 2023, 11:57:27 AM
Quote from: CoreySamson on February 03, 2023, 09:07:34 PM
Last month I was stuck in a jam like that for 70 minutes without moving in that general area. Not good that this is happening so often.
Imagine what it'll be like when closing a lane in either direction for construction?
I experienced it about 11 years ago driving back from Tennessee when they were widening the White River bridge. The backup stretched from the bridge all the back to the Brinkley exit. And this was on a Sunday in mid-June.
Used to hop off at Brinkley WB thru DeValls Bluff and rejoin I40 at Hazen. ArDOT even resurfaced 70 because of all the extra traffic.
Quote from: rte66man on February 07, 2023, 09:08:49 AM
Quote from: Road Hog on February 04, 2023, 04:21:33 PM
Quote from: MikieTimT on February 04, 2023, 11:57:27 AM
Quote from: CoreySamson on February 03, 2023, 09:07:34 PM
Last month I was stuck in a jam like that for 70 minutes without moving in that general area. Not good that this is happening so often.
Imagine what it'll be like when closing a lane in either direction for construction?
I experienced it about 11 years ago driving back from Tennessee when they were widening the White River bridge. The backup stretched from the bridge all the back to the Brinkley exit. And this was on a Sunday in mid-June.
Used to hop off at Brinkley WB thru DeValls Bluff and rejoin I40 at Hazen. ArDOT even resurfaced 70 because of all the extra traffic.
Hence why it has become a default route for many truckers.
Quote from: MikieTimT on September 19, 2022, 02:12:17 PM
Getting the ball rolling on widening 28 miles east of Little Rock within the next 3 years. In the Draft 2023-2026 STIP, ARDOT has 17 miles from AR-440 to AR-31 at Lonoke and 12 miles from Jennette to W. Memphis scheduled for project development funding. Now for the remaining 92 miles...
https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2023-2026_STIP_Draft_General_Electronic.pdf (https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2023-2026_STIP_Draft_General_Electronic.pdf) Pg. 2 (Slide 33)
That is welcome news. And then a "passing lane" type section of 3rd lane somewhere in between would make a huge difference, 10 miles of "No trucks in left lane" where the back up of cars can get around all the 67 mph trucks that insist on slogging past 65 mph trucks.
Wheatley/78 to Palestine/261 Main St would provide almost 12 miles of a passing zone for probably the lowest cost per mile, as there are no bridges to widen in that stretch and all the overpasses have room for another lane each way. That would break up the 90.5 mile Lonoke-Jeanette combat zone into 32 miles east of Palestine and 46.5 miles west of Wheatley. Extending the 6-lane east from Lonoke-Hazen/63 might make the most economic sense for the following phase, 18.5 miles with also no bridges to widen.
In the meantime, the lowest cost and fastest way to relief would be to create several "No truck passing zones". Without widening, how about placing "No trucks in the left lane the next 10 miles" signs on 3 to 5 segments of the 117 miles between I-440 and I-55? Immediate relief and increased capacity for just the cost of signs.
Better yet, put enforcement cams in those segments. The fines on all those impatient and rules flaunting FedEx drivers should soon cover the cost.
Quote from: armadillo speedbump on February 20, 2024, 09:29:01 PM
Quote from: MikieTimT on September 19, 2022, 02:12:17 PM
Getting the ball rolling on widening 28 miles east of Little Rock within the next 3 years. In the Draft 2023-2026 STIP, ARDOT has 17 miles from AR-440 to AR-31 at Lonoke and 12 miles from Jennette to W. Memphis scheduled for project development funding. Now for the remaining 92 miles...
https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2023-2026_STIP_Draft_General_Electronic.pdf (https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2023-2026_STIP_Draft_General_Electronic.pdf) Pg. 2 (Slide 33)
That is welcome news. And then a "passing lane" type section of 3rd lane somewhere in between would make a huge difference, 10 miles of "No trucks in left lane" where the back up of cars can get around all the 67 mph trucks that insist on slogging past 65 mph trucks.
Wheatley/78 to Palestine/261 Main St would provide almost 12 miles of a passing zone for probably the lowest cost per mile, as there are no bridges to widen in that stretch and all the overpasses have room for another lane each way. That would break up the 90.5 mile Lonoke-Jeanette combat zone into 32 miles east of Palestine and 46.5 miles west of Wheatley. Extending the 6-lane east from Lonoke-Hazen/63 might make the most economic sense for the following phase, 18.5 miles with also no bridges to widen.
In the meantime, the lowest cost and fastest way to relief would be to create several "No truck passing zones". Without widening, how about placing "No trucks in the left lane the next 10 miles" signs on 3 to 5 segments of the 117 miles between I-440 and I-55? Immediate relief and increased capacity for just the cost of signs.
Better yet, put enforcement cams in those segments. The fines on all those impatient and rules flaunting FedEx drivers should soon cover the cost.
There should be some periodic 6 lanes segments in the middle section to help with micropassing, but it would only work if trucks were banned from the leftmost lane.
Enforcement cameras don't exist in Arkansas except in Little Rock (FLOCK cameras for fictitious tags likely involved in car thefts) and now for speeding in construction zones. And I'm good with keeping it as is. The real solution is more lanes with the truck counts on I-30/eastern I-40. Crazy high percentage of trucks (~60% trucks when outside of the metros) with AADTs between 35K and 40K.
Quote from: armadillo speedbump on February 20, 2024, 09:29:01 PM
Quote from: MikieTimT on September 19, 2022, 02:12:17 PM
Getting the ball rolling on widening 28 miles east of Little Rock within the next 3 years. In the Draft 2023-2026 STIP, ARDOT has 17 miles from AR-440 to AR-31 at Lonoke and 12 miles from Jennette to W. Memphis scheduled for project development funding. Now for the remaining 92 miles...
https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2023-2026_STIP_Draft_General_Electronic.pdf (https://www.ardot.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2023-2026_STIP_Draft_General_Electronic.pdf) Pg. 2 (Slide 33)
That is welcome news. And then a "passing lane" type section of 3rd lane somewhere in between would make a huge difference, 10 miles of "No trucks in left lane" where the back up of cars can get around all the 67 mph trucks that insist on slogging past 65 mph trucks.
Wheatley/78 to Palestine/261 Main St would provide almost 12 miles of a passing zone for probably the lowest cost per mile, as there are no bridges to widen in that stretch and all the overpasses have room for another lane each way. That would break up the 90.5 mile Lonoke-Jeanette combat zone into 32 miles east of Palestine and 46.5 miles west of Wheatley. Extending the 6-lane east from Lonoke-Hazen/63 might make the most economic sense for the following phase, 18.5 miles with also no bridges to widen.
In the meantime, the lowest cost and fastest way to relief would be to create several "No truck passing zones". Without widening, how about placing "No trucks in the left lane the next 10 miles" signs on 3 to 5 segments of the 117 miles between I-440 and I-55? Immediate relief and increased capacity for just the cost of signs.
Better yet, put enforcement cams in those segments. The fines on all those impatient and rules flaunting FedEx drivers should soon cover the cost.
I like the idea of passing lanes in the middle, but realistically the segment from Lonoke over the White River is probably next due to costs. The new bridge is 6-lane ready.
Quote from: armadillo speedbump on February 20, 2024, 09:29:01 PM
Without widening, how about placing "No trucks in the left lane the next 10 miles" signs on 3 to 5 segments of the 117 miles between I-440 and I-55?
All it takes is one truck going 58 mph to slow down the 14-15 trucks stacking up behind doing 60, 61, 63, 64, 65, 63, etc.
They stack up a couple dozen over this 10 mile segment, then the second it ends, all 24-30 trucks all jump into the left lane and spend the next hour passing each other.
Of course in reality, it's either that situation or straight non-compliance.