Lane and ramp closures in Fort Smith began Thursday (July 18) evening as road crews put down another layer of asphalt on the southbound side of the highway.
"They're going to begin paving close to the River Bridge, that end of the project, and progress south," said Chad Adams, District Engineer with the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department. "As they approach the exit and entrance ramps, those ramps will be closed down for a short period of time."
Adams said the work will impact the on and off ramps between Kelley Highway and Highway 22 (Rogers Ave.). The construction will take place between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. "to minimize the impact on motorists," according to Adams.
This phase of the project is expected to last until Wednesday (July 24). It is part of the ongoing efforts to improve I-540 for drivers.
"I believe they'll see a vast improvement in the quality of their ride when they switch traffic over to these new lanes," said Adams. Adams said despite a few setbacks, the I-540 construction project is on track to be completed by mid-2014.