There was another traffic delay during the morning commute in Batesville Monday as ARDOT (Arkansas Department of Transportation) worked in the relief bridge area of Highway 167, south of the White River bridge.
White River Now’s Gary Bridgman spoke with ARDOT Maintenance Engineer Alex Roofe Monday morning and asked why the department starts the work during the morning drive, which cuts the traffic flow down to one lane?
The White River relief project consists of patchwork being completed to prepare for a polymer overlay with a hard aggregate (asphalt) to be applied smoothly at a later time, Roofe said. He said an early start allows for the type of concrete used in the patchwork to dry and harden sufficiently for traffic by day’s end. Plus, Roofe noted an early start keeps the department from having to keep signage and other equipment used for traffic control out at night.
And in light of the issue that has closed the I-40 bridge over the Mississippi at Memphis, Roofe said he wants the public to know that the White River bridge and relief area have absolutely no major problems and are in very good condition.
Roofe said the current work should be completed by Monday afternoon or Tuesday at the latest.
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