Bridge work at the IH 40/ US 287 split gets underway

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, March 29, 2006

AMARILLO – The Amarillo district of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has closed the inside lanes of both east and westbound IH 40 near the US 287 split, east of Pullman Road, in anticipation of a bridge rehabilitation project.

Work crews have closed the inside lanes to build crossovers that will be used to move traffic from one direction to the other when the bridge rehabilitation gets underway, possibly in about three weeks (weather permitting). Motorists can expect increased congestion on IH 40 east of Pullman while the preliminary work is being done.

The IH 40 overpass at the US 287 split is being refurbished with a new bridge deck and wider shoulders. One-lane traffic on eastbound and westbound IH 40 will soon be moved to the westbound lanes while the eastbound bridge deck is refurbished. Once the work on the eastbound bridge deck is completed, one-lane traffic in both directions will be moved to the eastbound lanes to allow for refurbishing of the westbound bridge deck.

Motorists can expect some congestion and possible delays in the area, and are encouraged to slow down, drive defensively, and watch out for construction workers in the work zone. The $3.5 million project is expected to be completed by January, 2007 (weather permitting).

For more information, call Paul Braun, 806/356-3256, or 806/570-6301.