Jacksonville, Arkansas – Drivers in Jacksonville should prepare for temporary traffic changes as the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) begins a scheduled closure of Vandenberg Boulevard beneath Highway 67/167 (Interstate 57) to support a major road widening project. The nightly closures will run from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., starting Sunday night, March 15, through Monday morning, March 23, weather permitting.
The closure affects the stretch of Vandenberg Boulevard between John Harden Drive and N. 1st Street. Crews will be working to place beams for a new bridge as part of a larger project to widen 2.5 miles of Highway 67/167 to six lanes between Main Street (Exit 9) and Vandenberg Boulevard (Exit 11). This construction is part of ARDOT’s Connecting Arkansas Program and is expected to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and support long-term infrastructure growth in the Jacksonville area.
To navigate the temporary closure, signed detours will be in place. Drivers traveling to the east side of the closure should take John Harden Drive south to the N. James Street Bridge, crossing over to access TP White Drive east of Highway 67/167. Those heading to the west side of the closure should take N. 1st Street south to the new Gregory Street Overpass and cross over to access John Harden Drive or Marshall Road west of the Interstate. Barricades and signage will guide motorists, and officials urge travelers to follow all posted instructions and use extra caution when moving through the work zone.
Nighttime construction may result in elevated noise levels, especially in areas immediately adjacent to the Interstate. Motorists are advised to plan ahead, expect slower traffic speeds, and allow extra travel time if passing through or near the construction site.
This $145.2 million project (Job CA0604) is a key component of ARDOT’s Connecting Arkansas Program, which aims to modernize and expand critical transportation routes across the state. In addition to widening Highway 67/167, the project includes improvements at multiple interchanges, including James Street (Exit 10A), Gregory Street (Exit 10B), and Vandenberg Boulevard (Exit 11). The plan also involves converting Frontage roads from two-way to one-way operation, improving traffic circulation and reducing congestion.
By widening the highway to six lanes and upgrading key interchanges, the project seeks to accommodate growing traffic volumes in Jacksonville and the surrounding area. According to ARDOT officials, these improvements will enhance safety for commuters, reduce bottlenecks during peak travel hours, and support the long-term economic development of the region.
Motorists are encouraged to stay updated on project developments through ARDOT’s official channels and the Connecting Arkansas Program website at ConnectingArkansasProgram.com. Officials stress that the temporary closure is necessary to ensure safe and efficient construction and that the long-term benefits of the project will outweigh the short-term disruptions.
With careful planning, adherence to detour routes, and increased awareness in work zones, drivers can navigate the nightly Vandenberg Boulevard closure safely while crews continue to make progress on one of the state’s most important infrastructure projects.
