More I-30 westbound changes in Texarkana scheduled to begin Sunday night

Interstate 30 travelers in the westbound right lane in Texarkana will see a new traffic pattern starting the night of Sunday, May 9, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. This change is part of phase two of the project to widen the interstate from four to six lanes.

The new traffic pattern for the I-30 westbound right lane (referred to as the right-local lane) includes shifting right-local lane traffic onto the new pavement. This pavement will be separated from the I-30 westbound left lane (referred to as the left-thru lane) with a concrete barrier wall. The left-thru lane was recently designated as an option for traffic with no plans to exit for the entire six miles of the project through Texarkana. The left-thru lane begins just east of Summerhill Road and extends to west of Kings Highway and has no option to exit. Right local-lane traffic will have options to exit. However, various westbound exit and entrance ramps will be closed as crews rebuild existing westbound lanes and ramps. Signs and message boards will help alert traffic to closed ramps.

Crews have been preparing for this transition in recent weeks, constructing temporary exit ramp tie-ins as right-local lane traffic used the existing right lane and the frontage roads at night.

The contractor has estimated phase two of construction will take about 15 months to complete. Inclement weather or other unforeseen issues can cause delays or changes in the work schedule.

There is no scheduled change to the I-30 eastbound traffic pattern during this phase.

TxDOT reminds local commuters that the I-30 Frontage Road system allows traffic to travel eastbound from FM 989/Kings Highway to US 71/Stateline and westbound from US 71/Stateline to FM 989/Kings Highway, continuously, without ever stopping at a traffic signal.

Travelers can check traffic updates by visiting www.drivetexas.org.

More information on the I-30 widening project can be found at https://www.txdot.gov/projects/projects-studies/atlanta/i30-widening-4-lane-6-lane.html

TxDOT urges Texans to slow down, stay alert and obey posted signage when driving through road construction or maintenance areas. TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign offers safe driving tips for navigating work zones:

• Slow down. Follow the posted speed limit and never drive faster than what is safe for road conditions. Excessive speed is a leading cause of work zone crashes.
• Pay attention. Avoid distractions, keep your mind on the road and put your phone away.
• Watch out for road crews. Roadside workers want to get home safely too. Always follow instructions and be mindful of construction area road signs.
• Don’t tailgate. Traffic in work zones can slow suddenly so give yourself room to stop in a hurry. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of work zone crashes.
• Allow extra time. Road construction can slow things down. Count on it, and plan for it.