I-49 lane closings, roundabout education set by AHTD

BENTONVILLE -- Construction work on Interstate 49 in Bentonville will require overnight lane closings this week, according to Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department officials.

Beginning Monday night, crews will construct overhead temporary structures at the Arkansas 72 overpass on I-49. The inside and outside lanes of I-49 will alternately be closed for north and south traffic between mile markers 87 and 89. One lane in each direction will remain open during the work.

The lanes will be closed nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Thursday morning, weather permitting.

Highway department officials also announced upcoming public meetings.

The first meeting Tuesday will discuss plans to improve the I-49 and Walnut Street interchange, exit 85, in Rogers.

The public is invited to visit from 4 to 7 p.m. to view displays, ask questions and offer comments. The meeting will be at Oakley Chapel United Methodist Church, 203 S. Promenade Blvd.

For more information contact the department at 501-569-2000 or [email protected].

In November, the Highway Department will hold two educational public meetings on how to navigate the interim roundabout for the Bella Vista Bypass at North Walton Boulevard and Arkansas 72 South.

"We will illustrate the proper use of a roundabout. People know it's coming, but they're a little confused about what it is and why it's there," said Danny Straessle, spokesman for the Highway Department. "This is an interim solution that will allow the use of the Bella Vista Bypass and provide connectivity to U.S. 71, U.S. 71B and I-49."

Straessle said the roundabout is expected to be completed by the end of the year or early next year. Officials plan to show motorists how to use it through video presentations and displays. A panel of experts will be on hand to answer questions.

The meetings are open house style with a formal presentation beginning at 5:15 p.m. The public is invited to visit anytime during the scheduled hours to view exhibits and ask questions. The presentation at both meetings will be the same.

The first meeting will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Bethel Baptist Church activity center at 2907 N. Walton Blvd. in Bentonville.

The second meeting will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 15 at Bella Vista Baptist Church, 50 East Lancashire Blvd. in Bella Vista.

NW News on 10/23/2016

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