Arkansas – Motorists in St. Francis and Crittenden counties should plan for temporary overnight ramp closures on Interstate 40 and Interstate 55 as the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) tests wrong-way detection systems designed to improve highway safety. The closures, which will take place intermittently from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., are scheduled on Tuesday night, November 18, through Friday morning, November 21, weather permitting.
Crews will close the off-ramps in two-hour intervals, allowing the department to check and calibrate the new wrong-way detection systems. Only one ramp will be closed at a time, and the plan is to complete three to four ramps per night. Emergency responders will continue to have full access to the ramps, while all other motorists will be directed to use alternate exits.
The ramps affected in St. Francis County include Interstate 40 westbound at Exit 243 near the Rest Area. In Crittenden County, multiple ramps on I-40 and I-55 will be temporarily closed, including:
• I-40 westbound, Exit 275
• I-40 eastbound, Exit 279A and westbound, Exit 279A
• I-40 westbound, Exit 5
• I-40 eastbound, Exit 280 and westbound, Exit 280
• I-55 northbound, Exit 3A
Traffic management during the closures will be handled by Arkansas Highway Police, utilizing barrels, message boards, and signage to guide motorists safely through the area. The department stresses that these measures are essential to ensure both the safety of drivers and the success of the testing program.
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Wrong-way detection systems are composed of several components, including vehicle sensors, closed-circuit television cameras, illuminators, hardware controllers, warning devices, and communications equipment. These devices work together to alert drivers if they are traveling in the wrong direction.
If a vehicle is detected going the wrong way, LED lights will flash to notify the driver immediately. At the same time, an alarm is sent to the ARDOT Traffic Management Center, allowing crews to track and respond to the situation. These systems are designed to provide a quick, automated response to potentially dangerous situations and to reduce the risk of head-on collisions on busy highways.
“Testing the wrong-way detection systems during controlled ramp closures allows us to verify that all equipment is functioning properly before it is fully operational,” said a spokesperson for ARDOT. “Our goal is to improve safety for all motorists and reduce incidents caused by vehicles traveling in the wrong direction.”
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Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and use alternative routes when necessary. For the latest updates on ramp closures and other traffic alerts, travelers can visit IDriveArkansas.com or ARDOT.gov.
The ramp closures and system testing are part of a broader effort by ARDOT to incorporate technology that enhances traffic safety and provides real-time information to drivers. By ensuring the wrong-way detection systems are fully functional, officials hope to prevent accidents, save lives, and give drivers greater peace of mind on Arkansas highways.
