Southwestern Electric Power Co., an American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company, announced today a construction project in Texarkana, Arkansas that will replace aging infrastructure and help support reliability.
Drivers should expect lane closures in Texarkana on Jefferson Avenue, north of 17th street (between 18th and 24th streets) as SWEPCO crews install new transmission structures along the roadside.
Construction is scheduled to take place Wednesday, May 8 through Saturday, May 11, WEATHER PERMITTING, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Crews plan to close both north and south lanes, and construction signage, cones and flaggers will be present to aid traffic flow in the area.
Contract crews and flaggers can help escort residents who live on Jefferson Avenue in and out of the road and will assist with any emergency response vehicles. A detour will be available for anyone else. SWEPCO encourages all area residents and motorists to drive with caution and to be prepared during school dismissal.
“This is an important investment for Texarkana and we’re proud to see the work underway,” said Jennifer Harland, SWEPCO External Affairs Manager. “We care about our community members and our crews and encourage all drivers to take extra precautions and drive safely as we undertake this important work.”
The work is part of SWEPCO’s Ashdown - 12th Street Transmission Line Rebuild Project, which involves upgrading about 19 miles of electric transmission line in Miller and Little River counties. It will improve reliability by decreasing the likelihood of large community-wide power outages, strengthen the line against severe weather impacts and accommodate the growth in the Texarkana, Arkansas by providing additional power capacity. Crews plan to finish construction by the end of the year. Temporary lane closures and possible traffic delays could occur during the project. For more project information, visit SWEPCO.com/Ashdown-12Street.