LITTLE ROCK (2-6) – Crews working on the first phase of improvements to the I-430/I-630 Interchange in Little Rock have begun more work as the weather has provided the contractor with favorable working conditions, according to Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) officials.

Beginning Monday, February 9, 2009, at 9:00 a.m., the inside southbound lane of I-430 between Breckenridge Drive and Shackleford Road will be closed for approximately six to eight months. This means that I-430 southbound will only have two travel lanes open. This will allow crews to construct new permanent lanes in the median area.

Similar work and lane closures will begin in the northbound I-430 lanes later in the month.

Overnight lane closures will occur next week (Feb. 9-13) on the westbound lanes of I-630 in the interchange area to allow for the removal of rumble strips. These closures will be in place each night from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., weather permitting.

            The work is part of Phase One of a project to improve the I-430/I-630 Interchange. A $17 million contract was awarded to Weaver-Bailey Contractors of El Paso, Arkansas, for the work. Phase One is expected to take about 2 ½ to 3 years to complete.

            Message boards will be in the area to alert motorists to construction activity. As always, motorists are urged to exercise caution when approaching and traveling through highway work zones.

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