Fort Chaffee, Arkansas — Drivers traveling near Fort Chaffee this weekend should expect delays, as Highway 96 will be subject to short-term closures throughout Saturday, June 7, due to military training activities.
According to officials, the section of Highway 96 stretching from South Boundary Road to Fort Smith Boulevard will be closed in 15-minute intervals between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. These closures are necessary to accommodate artillery training exercises being conducted by the United States Air National Guard units stationed at the Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center.
To ensure the safety of both the public and military personnel, Fort Chaffee Police will be stationed at each traffic control point along the affected highway. Officers will manage the flow of vehicles and oversee the closures during the training periods.
Motorists traveling in the area are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and allow for extra travel time. The brief but frequent closures could cause backups, particularly during peak traffic hours. Drivers looking to avoid delays should consider using alternate routes when possible.
For real-time traffic updates and road conditions, the Arkansas Department of Transportation recommends checking IDriveArkansas.com, which provides the latest information on road closures and detours across the state.
These training exercises are part of regular operations at Fort Chaffee and are critical to maintaining readiness among military units. While such events are not uncommon, local authorities continue to work closely with the military to minimize public disruption and ensure all safety protocols are followed.
Residents in the surrounding areas may also hear loud noises during the scheduled hours due to live artillery being used in the training. Officials have confirmed there is no cause for alarm, and all activities are being carefully monitored.
Travelers and residents are thanked in advance for their patience and cooperation during this important military operation.
