Craighead County, Arkansas – A section of Highway 18 in Craighead County is scheduled to close for more than a month as crews prepare to construct a box culvert near Winesburg.
The closure is expected to begin at 8 a.m. Tuesday, August 11, and remain in place around the clock until 5 p.m. Tuesday, September 15. The work is weather permitting and will affect Highway 18 between Highway 91 and County Road 160, north of Highway 226.
During the project, Highway 18 will remain accessible to local traffic on either side of the closure. However, motorists who need to travel through the affected section will have to use a signed detour.
The temporary restriction is necessary to allow construction crews enough space to complete the box culvert work safely. Because the road will be closed continuously during the project, drivers should plan for additional travel time and follow the posted detour signs.
Motorists traveling toward the west side of the closure will be directed along a longer route. From Highway 18, traffic will take Highway 18 east to Highway 91, then continue south on Highway 91 to Highway 349.
Drivers will then take Highway 349 south until reaching Highway 226. From there, they will travel west on Highway 226 before returning to Highway 18 on the west side of the closure.
Traffic heading toward the east side will follow the detour in the opposite direction. Drivers will take Highway 18 west to Highway 226, then travel east on Highway 226 to Highway 349.
The route will continue north on Highway 349 to Highway 91. Motorists will then take Highway 91 north before returning to Highway 18 on the other side of the work zone.
The detour routes are expected to remain in place throughout the closure period. Drivers who regularly use Highway 18 in this area may want to consider the alternate routes before beginning their trips, particularly if they are traveling through the area for work or other time-sensitive appointments.
Construction barrels, barricades and warning signs will be installed around the work area. These traffic-control measures will alert drivers to the closure and direct them toward the appropriate detour.
Officials are urging motorists to pay attention to the signs and other traffic-control devices while traveling near the construction zone. Drivers should also be prepared for changing conditions as crews work on the project.
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The closure is scheduled to last from August 11 through September 15, although the construction schedule could be affected by weather or other conditions.
For local residents, the road will remain open to traffic on either side of the closure between Highway 226 and Highway 91. Those traveling beyond the closed section, however, will need to use the designated detour.
The project represents a temporary disruption for drivers in the Winesburg area, but the closure is intended to provide crews with the conditions needed to complete the box culvert construction.
Motorists are encouraged to allow extra time for their trips while the work is underway and to use caution around the construction equipment, barrels and barricades.
Once the project is completed and the closure is removed, normal travel through the affected section of Highway 18 is expected to resume.
