Overpass demolition work will require lane closures, short delays and detours on Interstate 49 at Lowell beginning Tuesday night, according to Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department officials.
Crews replacing the overpass at W. Monroe Ave., Arkansas 264, over I-49 in Lowell will create a concrete barrier wall along the I-49 southbound median shoulder beneath the Highway 264 overpass. The work will require closing the southbound inside lane.
Also, northbound and southbound I-49 traffic will be stopped for 15-minute intervals during overhead demolition work to protect traffic from falling objects.
The work and delays will occur Tuesday night through Wednesday morning between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., weather permitting. Motorists are encouraged to consider alternate routes during the period when construction requires stoppages.
Beginning Wednesday night and continuing for the next two weeks, I-49 northbound and southbound will be detoured to the Exit 78 ramps to divert traffic around the overpass as it is being demolished. The detours will be in place between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
APAC-Central, of Fayetteville, was awarded the contract at $6.1 million. The project should be complete by summer 2016.
Drivers should exercise caution when approaching and traveling through highway work zones. Additional travel information can be found at IDriveArkansas.com or ArkansasHighways.com. You can also follow the highway department on Twitter @AHTD.