The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department will test a new merging technique for construction zones on Interstate 40 in Pope County for two weeks, officials say.
The new technique, sometimes called the "zipper," keeps both lanes of traffic open right up to the construction zone, state Highway and Transportation Department spokesman Jeff Whatley said in a news release.
Signs will promote the use of both lanes up to the merge point and encourage drivers to take turns merging, the release states.
The westbound, outside lane of I-40 will close on Friday for two weeks at mile marker 85 and tie into existing closures at mile marker 81, Whatley said.
Whatley said if the lane closure can't start on Friday, it will be postponed to Saturday.
Crews are replacing four bridges and reconstructing 7.2 miles of interstate south of Russellville, the release states.
The $42.3 million project should be completed by April 30.