AR Good Roads

It took 42 tons of salt and 388,000 gallons of fuel. It also took hundreds of ARDOT workers running 12-hour shifts to remove the snow and ice from our streets during recent storms. Thank you to ARDOT and, for safety's sake, be sure to put your cell phone down while driving.

Sunshine and temperatures creeping above freezing are a welcome relief today. Most schools are still closed, but health care professionals, road crews, police and firefighters, truckers, and other essential people are hard at work. And please put that phone down while you drive.

ARDOT has 78,000 cubic yards of salt ready to use, 700 snowplows set to roll, and 600 salt spreaders loaded. Bridges will be pretreated by employees working 12-hour shifts. As much as you can, please stay home during these difficult storm days. Stay warm. Be safe.

With the first cold weather arriving across Arkansas this week, Arkansas Department of Transportation teams are preparing for snow and sleet on the roads. Be careful driving in this -- the men and women of ARDOT are working on sunny days to get ready for winter storm days later.

92 Arkansas Department of Transportation workers have died working to repair or replace our roads. This week, ARDOT dedicated a beautiful new Fallen Workers Memorial, which will serve as a place for families to come and quietly remember and honor their loved ones who have died.

Ground has been broken for a stunning new bridge over the Arkansas River at Barling as part of the ongoing state and federal work to expand I-49. Our Governor was on hand and this remains an exciting time for AGR members who design, fund, build, repair, and put cargo on our roads

New laws now mean traffic fines are double for moving violations in mobile work zones, spots where highway workers are only working for a brief period. Click bit.ly/47h5lMv for more information...and please put that cell phone down while you drive.

Quality roads support the massive tourism industry driving Arkansas' economy, including the 9MM visiting Hot Springs each year. Arkansas Good Roads members have spent years designing, building, and repairing roads around Hot Springs, which pours millions into our state's economy.

One of the biggest challenges facing the Arkansas infrastructure system are the thousands of bridges that are rapidly aging. ARDOT is utilizing this boat, equipped with a sophisticated sonar system, to examine the underwater sections of bridges using trained divers and drones.

We are very fortunate to now have Jared D. Wiley at the helm of ARDOT. His knowledge of the cultural diversity of our state and his experience working with ARDOT as Chief Engineer for Pre-construction, will enable him to oversee the care of Arkansas' 16,000 miles of highways.

This is National Work Zone Awareness Week. This is a week to remember the more than 80 men and women who have died working on Arkansas roads since 1954. Please drive like the workers you are passing are your loved ones. Let's work together to reduce the staggering number of d ...

ARDOT is ready for the snow this week based on planning sessions that started in July. Six hundred snow plows will be out as the snow falls, and 85,000 cubic yards of salt are expected to spread on roads. To learn more, click here: bit.ly/4hb3nzk Stay warm!

The 30 Crossing Project is officially open. The project reconstructed 4.7 miles of I-30 and I-40 through the heart of Little Rock. This project will have economic and quality-of-life benefits for Little Rock that we will see for decades. Thanks to everyone who made this possible.

For those of you who have traveled Highway 67 in Arkansas for years, a major change is coming. The road will be converted to I-57 and will eventually run from Chicago to North Little Rock. This easier north south access will mean more jobs and economic growth for Arkansas.

Arkansas Good Roads is very proud that our friend and Executive Board Member JoAnne Bush was inducted into the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame this week. JoAnne has had a remarkable career spanning five decades of service to her state and community. Congratulations and thank you!

The I-55 bridge to Memphis opened in 1949 and will be replaced by a bridge that will create new jobs and help the economy. More than 55,000 vehicles use the current, aging bridge daily. Infrastructure upgrades mean safer driving, economic growth, and new jobs for our communities.

We're pleased to welcome Mr. Jerry Holder, PE, to the Good Roads Foundation Executive Board. Here's some great info about Mr. Holder, his background and experience: bit.ly/3x3uGtQ

Arkansas Good Roads is helping ARDOT raise the funding to honor the 60 ARDOT employees who have died while working on our roads since 1970 by building a meaningful memorial for their sacrifice. Learn more and consider helping with construction costs here: bit.ly/2Ur9WH4

So….maybe you thought this doesn’t need to be said. But let’s just remind people…..be careful out there with the traffic starting over the weekend.

THE ECLIPSE HAS BEEN CANCELED! Not really – and Happy April Fools Day! If you’re on the road during the eclipse, keep your eyes on the road so you won't wreck and be the April Fool. For more info about the eclipse in Arkansas, go to this ARDOT link: bit.ly/3x68b7d