Fayetteville, Arkansas – Drivers traveling through Fayetteville should prepare for overnight traffic disruptions on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard as crews continue work connected to the Interstate 49 improvement project.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation announced that overnight closures will take place on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, also known as Highway 62, beneath I-49. The closures are scheduled from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. on three consecutive nights, weather permitting.
The planned closure dates are Tuesday night, July 14, through Wednesday morning, July 15; Wednesday night, July 15, through Thursday morning, July 16; and Thursday night, July 16, through Friday morning, July 17.
Officials said the closures are necessary so construction crews can remove the supports used during the construction of the newly completed I-49 southbound bridge. The overnight schedule was selected to reduce the impact on drivers while allowing crews to safely complete the work.
During the closures, motorists will need to follow signed detour routes around the affected section of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow additional time when traveling through the area.
Westbound traffic on MLK Boulevard will be directed onto I-49 northbound toward Wedington Drive at Exit 64. From there, drivers will use Wedington Drive to reconnect with I-49 southbound before returning to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Motorists will then be able to use MLK Boulevard Exit 62 to continue westbound.
Eastbound drivers will follow a different detour route. Traffic will be directed onto I-49 southbound toward Cato Springs Road at Exit 60. Drivers will use Cato Springs Road to return to I-49 northbound and then reconnect with Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. From there, motorists can take MLK Boulevard Exit 62 to continue eastbound.
Transportation officials said the closures are dependent on weather conditions, and schedules could change if crews are unable to complete the work as planned. Drivers should remain alert, follow posted signs, and use caution when traveling near construction areas.
The bridge work is part of ongoing improvements along the I-49 corridor in Fayetteville. Removing temporary construction supports marks another step in the progress of the project as crews continue work on the newly built southbound bridge.
Motorists looking for updated travel conditions, construction information, and possible changes to the closure schedule can visit IDriveArkansas.com for the latest details.
Officials recommend that drivers check traffic updates before beginning their trips and consider alternate routes if they need to travel through the area during the overnight closure hours. The detours are expected to remain in place only during the scheduled nighttime work periods, with normal traffic patterns expected to resume after each closure period ends.
