LOWELL (KFSM) — Downed power lines blocked both lanes of Interstate-49 on Thursday afternoon (June 1), according to the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department. The lanes were reopened about 45 minutes later.
Crews in the area said a huge gust of wind came through, which knocked over the power line, said Danny Straessle, of AHTD.
Straessle said road crews had trouble getting to the power line to repair it and remove it from the interstate because cars keep driving over the line.
SWEPCO asked drivers to stop driving over the line so that it can be repaired as quickly as possible. The line has been de-energized.
Traffic is still backed up, so avoid the area if possible.
The line also fell through part of a construction area.
