The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department has announced some lane shifts on Interstate 49 in Fayetteville. Full news release:

FORT SMITH (9-May) The Contractor has informed the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department District Four Headquarters at Fort Smith of planned lane shifts on I-49 in Fayetteville.

On Monday, May 12, 2014, southbound I-49 traffic will be restricted to one lane between the Highway 16/Highway 112S (Wedington Road) and the Porter Road interchanges at various times from 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. to allow the contractor to shift southbound traffic to temporary lanes constructed west of the existing southbound lanes.

On Tuesday, May 13, 2014, the northbound I-49 traffic will be restricted to one lane between the Highway 16/Highway 112S (Wedington Road) and the Porter Road interchanges at various times from 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. to allow the contractor to shift traffic to the existing southbound lanes.

The lane shifts are anticipated to remain in place for two months while the contractor works to replace a drainage structure under the interstate. During this time, northbound and southbound traffic will be separated by a concrete barrier wall through this part of the project and two lanes of traffic will remain open in each direction.

Adjustment of the times of any announced lane closures may become necessary due to weather or other unforeseen conditions.

In July 2013, the Arkansas Highway Commission awarded a contract, in the amount of $16,600,000.00 to Pace Construction Co., LLC of St. Louis, MO for the project. The project will add a third lane for both the northbound and southbound lanes on I-49 between Highway 16 and Porter Road.

Motorists are urged to use care and think ahead when traveling through the work zone. They should remember to Obey the Posted Speed Limits and Other Regulatory Signing; to Maintain a Steady Speed; to Leave Room between them and other vehicles; to Be Aware of Road Conditions in front of them; and to Anticipate the Unexpected Need to Stop or Reduce Speed Substantially due to construction vehicles entering and exiting the work zone. Increased traffic enforcement is scheduled in this work area.

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