Mississippi County, Arkansas – Motorists traveling near Keiser will soon need to plan alternate routes as the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) prepares to close a section of Highway 181 for bridge replacement work. The highway will be closed around the clock beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday, November 3, and is expected to remain closed until 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, weather permitting.
The closure will take place just south of the Interstate 55 interchange to allow construction crews to replace a bridge over a drainage ditch. During this time, Highway 181 will remain open only to local traffic on either side of the work zone. The closure is necessary to ensure the safety of both workers and motorists as crews complete the replacement.
According to ARDOT, several measures will be taken to notify and guide drivers during the construction period. Digital message boards, traffic barrels, barricades, and road signage will be placed along the route to alert motorists of the closure ahead. A signed detour will also be in effect to help travelers navigate around the affected section of highway.
For those needing to reach the south side of the closure, ARDOT advises taking Highway 181 to I-55 south, then exiting at Exit 41 onto Highway 14. From there, motorists can continue east on Highway 14 and then north on Highway 181. Drivers heading to the north side of the closure should take Highway 181 south to Highway 14 west, follow it to I-55 north, and take Exit 44 back onto Highway 181 heading north.
The bridge replacement project is part of ongoing efforts by ARDOT to improve road safety and infrastructure reliability across the state. Many bridges in rural areas like Mississippi County are aging and in need of updates to meet modern safety standards. Replacing outdated structures ensures that the roadways remain safe for passenger vehicles, farm equipment, and commercial traffic that rely on these routes daily.
While the temporary closure may cause inconvenience for some drivers, officials stress that the project is essential for long-term improvements. Local residents and commuters are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time for travel, and stay alert for crews working in the area.
ARDOT reminds the public that all construction activities are dependent on weather conditions and that schedules may change if rain or other factors delay progress. For real-time updates, detour maps, and additional travel information, motorists can visit IDriveArkansas.com, where current road conditions and closures across the state are continuously updated.
By mid-November, the new bridge is expected to be complete, restoring full access to Highway 181 and improving transportation safety for residents and travelers near Keiser.
