New traffic patterns for Texarkana I-30 widening project

TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KSHV) – Drivers in Texarkana will need to adjust to a new traffic pattern as the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) ongoing project to widen Interstate-30 from four to six lanes enters a new phase.

“When this stage is done they’ll be able to have, both westbound lanes will be up on the new concrete pavement,” says Rusty Rudel, TxDOT’s Project Manager for the I-30 Widening Project.

During this new phase, westbound traffic between Summerhill Road and Kings Highway will consist of two lanes separated by a barrier.

“The left-hand side of the center line barrier will be what we’re calling the through lane, which will be taking traffic that’s going through Texarkana and not needing the exit. There’ll be no exits the full length of the project, approximately 6 miles,” says Rudel.

The right-hand lane will allow cars to enter and exit the interstate normally. However, the right lane will be affected by nightly work on ramps, forcing that traffic onto the frontage road.

“At night, we’ll have them pushed over on the frontage road from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. And while they’re over on the frontage road, we’ll be building temporary hot mix of ramps,” says Rudel, “So while we’re building those ramps, we’ll be jockeying traffic back and forth.”

TxDOT states that they have worked to ensure the new traffic rules are clear and are asking drivers to be patient and drive safely.

“We put a lot of effort into signage and messaging and things like that, just slow down, follow the speed limit, read the signs, and just know that when you come in the area every day, something’s going to change.”

Crews begin the work of shifting Tuesday night (April 29th) at 8 p.m. This phase is expected to take around 15-months to complete.