Section of Arkansas 23 closed north of Ozark

A section of Arkansas 23 in Franklin County about 19 miles north of Ozark will be closed for up to two weeks, according to the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department.

AHTD officials cited “increased instability of the roadway” as the reason for closure.

“A highway contractor has been working in the area to repair damage initially caused by heavy rains and flooding in the spring of 2008. Recent rains and snow have caused additional slides and instability in the area,” noted the AHTD statement.

The AHTD statement suggested that motorists traveling north from Interstate 40 should consider other routes including Highways 21, 71, and I-540.

Damage to the road first appeared in Spring 2008, with AHTD crews making temporary repairs. A $2.5 million contract was awarded in August 2009 to Little Rock-based Kesser International for permanent repair. The job is expected to be complete by summer 2010, according to AHTD.

“The highway is being closed for the safety of motorists while the repairs are being made,” Joe Shipman, AHTD district engineer, noted in the statement. “The contractor will be working seven days a week to complete repairs to allow at least one lane to be re-opened as soon as possible.”