AHTD to Hold News Conference Concerning U.S. Highway 70 Construction Project
Information Release
Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department
NR 17-051
Feb 23, 2017
GARLAND COUNTY (2-23) – Construction is underway on the widening of U.S. Highway 70 between Interstate 30 in Saline County and the Hot Springs Bypass in Garland County and a news conference has been scheduled that will provide an overview of the work being done and what motorists can expect as work progresses, according to Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) officials.
The news conference will be held at the front gate of Magic Springs Theme and Water Park on Friday, February 24 at 1:30 p.m. AHTD Director Scott Bennett will be joined by representatives of the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, Oaklawn Racing & Gaming, Magic Springs, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Hot Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau.
As spring break fast approaches and eventually gives way to summer activities, traffic volumes typically increase on this route to and from the Hot Springs area. The AHTD wants to ensure motorists are aware of the 18-mile, $78.5 million construction project underway that is widening U.S. Highway 70 to five lanes (two lanes in each direction with a continuous center turn lane). Work is estimated to be complete in late 2018. See attached fact sheet for additional details.
The news conference will also highlight an enhanced law enforcement effort within the work zone to help promote safety, alternate routes that motorists can take to save time and avoid potential traffic delays, and the fact that although there is a major work zone on the primary highway to Hot Springs – area businesses are still open!
Director Bennett will be available for questions and interviews regarding the project. He will also promote the AHTD's construction and travel information web site IDriveArkansas and encourage motorists to “know before you go” by using the site to determine if an alternate route is necessary.
