Crittenden County, Arkansas – Drivers in West Memphis should prepare for a major traffic change as a section of Highway 77 is set to close for an extended period while crews begin the next phase of a roadway improvement project.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation said Highway 77 will close to through traffic between Interstate 40 and Highway 191, also known as North 7th Street, beginning Wednesday, Oct. 7, weather permitting.
The closure is expected to remain in effect until mid-2028.
The work is part of an ARDOT project aimed at improving traffic flow and safety along Highway 77 near the Interstate 40 and Interstate 55 interchange in West Memphis.
While the closure is in place, Highway 77 traffic will be redirected to the newly constructed Highway 191, or North 7th Street. Motorists who regularly travel through the area should expect significant changes to existing traffic patterns once the detour begins.
Although through traffic will not be permitted on the closed section of Highway 77, access to local businesses located along the highway will remain available throughout the project.
The long-term closure will give construction crews space to build a new railroad overpass on Highway 77. Additional roadway improvements connected to the project will also be completed during the closure.
Because the work is expected to continue for more than a year, drivers who use Highway 77 are being encouraged to become familiar with the new route and allow for changes to their normal travel plans.
ARDOT will use several traffic control measures to direct motorists through and around the construction zone. Electronic message boards and signs will provide information to drivers, while barrier walls and barricades will be used to manage traffic and separate vehicles from active work areas.
Transportation officials are asking motorists to pay close attention to signs and changing road conditions as they travel through the area.
Drivers should also use additional caution near construction crews and equipment, particularly as they adjust to the new traffic pattern.
Weather could affect the scheduled start of the closure. If conditions allow work to proceed as planned, the Highway 77 restriction will begin Oct. 7 and remain in place until the roadway is expected to reopen in mid-2028.
