LITTLE ROCK (5-18)

     Crews repairing flood damage on Highway 71, just north of Mountainburg, will require lane closures on the highway for an extended period of time, according to Arkansas St ate Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) officials.

     Both northbound and southbound traffic on Highway 71 will encounter a STOP sign at the project site, which is located near the entrance to Lake Fort Smith St ate Pa rk .  One travel lane will remain open through the construction area.  The single lane operation is expected to be in place for about two months.

     “Motorists are urged to use caution as they approach the construction and must be prepared to stop at the STOP sign to allow for oncoming traffic,” stated Joe Shipman, District Engineer for District Four.

      “The area had problems with the pavement sliding downhill last year during heavy rains and a contract was awarded to APAC-Arkansas for the repairs,” Shipman added.  “The recent rains caused additional sliding and, as a result, the contract is being modified.  It’s going to require more work to stabilize the roadway in this area.”  

     Motorists are ur ged to exercise caution when approaching and traveling through highway work zones.     

                                                                                              #####