LITTLE ROCK (9-24) Updated

     One lane of a severely damaged section of Highway 7 in northern Pope County is expected to re-open this week, according Dan Flowers, Director of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD). The section of Highway 7, just south of Pelsor and north of Dover , has been temporarily closed to through traffic due to flood damage associated with recent hurricanes.

     The new damage is the same location that suffered slope damage in March when flooding left almost $10 million in damaged highways in 32 counties.  Crouse Construction Company of Harrison , Arkansas , was awarded a $500,000 contract in August to make the Highway 7 repairs. The company had just begun the work when the latest damage occurred. 

     “Our staff met with the contractor and we have developed a plan to expedite construction to re-open one lane of traffic through the area in the near future. After one lane is opened, the contractor will continue as originally scheduled,” added Flowers.

     A detour route has been in place to the east of Highway 7 that is routing traffic onto Highways 16 and 27 between Pelsor and Dover . 

     Completion of the project is expected by December.

Below are pictures of the work on Highway 7.
A cross drain and asphalt are now being put into place.  Check the website frequently for construction updates.