WEINER — Parts of a northeast Arkansas highway will be closed through at least Friday as crews make repairs after last week's train derailment.
Powerful winds blew a freight train off Union Pacific railroad tracks last Friday, causing cargo boxes to spill onto U.S. 49 near the Poinsett and Craighead county line. No hazardous materials were involved, but the derailment caused damage to the railway and the highway.
The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department says a detour is needed on U.S. 49 through Friday as crews make repairs to the railway. Later, highway officials will assess damage to the road and schedule repair work.
Drivers traveling south will be detoured at the Arkansas 226 Spur to Cash, while motorists heading north will be detoured to Arkansas 14 at Waldenburg.