LITTLE ROCK — If rain falls as expected today, the reconfiguration of southbound lanes on Interstate 430 near the I-430/630 interchange will take longer than planned, state highway officials said Tuesday.
Rain won’t keep crews from starting the work on the main lanes and exit ramps, but it could interrupt the work and expand the estimated 18 to 21 hours expected to complete the work, according to a news release from the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department.
The statement reiterated that southbound drivers should use caution in the interchange area or even plan an alternate route.
The National Weather Service office in North Little Rock said a 30 percent chance of rain will develop after 1 a.m. and before 1 p.m. today. The chances of rain will increase to 40 percent tonight and 50 percent Thursday.
“As of right now, the rain looks like it could be intermittent,” said Glenn Bolick, a Highway Department spokesman. “If that is the case, it will just expand our 18- to 20-hour window. We could stand a couple of showers as long as it wasn’t all day long. That’s what we’re hoping for.”
Some of the work involves putting down new lane striping, which can’t be done in the rain, Bolick said.
Even without rain, delays are expected, as a combination of lane closures involving one to two of the southbound I-430 lanes will occur. At least one southbound and all northbound lanes will remain open at all times during the realignment, the department release said.
Today’s work also includes moving the I-430 southbound exit ramp to I-630 east and Financial Center Parkway. The new exit will be south of the present site, which will change to an exit for Markham only. The second exit will be the new off ramp for I-630 and Financial Center Parkway. Message boards will be in place to help direct motorists.
The southbound lanes of I-430 between Markham Street and I-630 need to shift to accommodate the next stage of construction of the project. After the shift is completed, the traffic pattern will remain in place for up to five weeks.
Three southbound lanes into the interchange are currently in place and will remain after the transition as will the 55 mph speed limit. But the department said lane widths will be reduced, and it will post signs recommending speeds of no more than 40 mph.
The $124 million interchange modification project will continue through 2014.
Arkansas, Pages 10 on 05/30/2012