LITTLE ROCK (9-25)

     Work on construction of passing lanes on Highway 7 north of Hot Springs is progressing and should be completed by the early part of 2009, according Dan Flowers, Director of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD).

     The project is reconstructing approximately 3.5 miles of Highway 7 between Hot Springs Village and Highway 5.  The work includes two passing lanes and one continuous left turn lane.  Martin Marietta Materials, Inc., of Hot Springs , Arkansas , was awarded the contract in January of 2007 for approximately $6 million.  Work on the project began in March of that year.

          “We are adding two new passing lanes on Highway 7, one northbound and one southbound, between Hot Springs Village and Highway 5,” stated Flowers.  “A continuous left turn lane is also underway beginning at Burl Road and extending one mile northward to the existing left turn lane at Hot Springs Village,”  added Flowers. 

     Crews are currently doing earthwork and laying asphalt. Upon completion of that work, construction of the final driving surface will begin.

     “Once we are finished, this project is going to improve the flow of traffic on Highway 7 in this area and make this a safer roadway,” Flowers added.

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