LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) is continuing its work to make I-630 wide enough for drivers.
It’s all part of the Connecting Arkansas Project.
“You have multiple insertion points of traffic along the route here where you have a lot of people trying to get on the highway, especially in the morning,” ARDOT Spokesman Danny Straessle said.
Drivers said closures and lane changes because of construction can be a headache.
“I had an incident right there. At one point, you couldn’t tell whether to go right or left, you know, when you’re getting off that Mississippi exit, and a young lady just stopped in the middle of the street which almost caused an accident,” Ikesha Lamb said.
But, they’re excited about what’s to come.
“I know it’s going to be great,” Lamb said.
Driver, Joseph Winfrey, is also ready for the construction to end.
“It’s hectic, real hectic. I really have to get off that route,” Winfrey said.
Fortunately, ARDOT said the end to the cones and re-routed lanes will be here soon.
“Sometime in April is what our target is now. Of course, that could always change, weather permitting," Straessle said. "Fortunately, we’ve had a very mild winter. That helps with construction.”
Drivers need to be on the lookout for workers and drive with caution.
“The contractor is in the process of completing the middle portion of the remade facility,” Straessle said.
Visually, drivers can already see progress popping up.
“We have a couple of noise walls that have gone up to protect the neighborhoods in the area. The neighborhoods impacted got a chance to vote on whether or not they wanted those walls,” Straessle said.
There are more changes drivers will see soon.
“Taller center median barrier wall. Bringing that up to today’s standard, it’ll be a lot taller than it was previously,” Straessle said.
While you could possibly find yourself at a halt, remember to keep your eyes up.
“I just want to say to the drivers, stay off your phones,” Lamb said.
There are more closures coming that you need to look out for.
Eastbound and westbound I-630 will close the inside and middle lanes between Baptist Health Drive and University Avenue starting Friday night until the morning of February 3.