Lane closures in Txk as Swepco works to improve infrastructure

TEXARKANA, Ark. ( KTAL/KMSS ) – Streets were closed today in Texarkana, Arkansas as Swepco began work to replace aging infrastructure.

Drivers can expect lane closures on Jefferson Avenue between 18th and 24th streets.

“What you’re looking at there alongside the road is progress,” says Swepco Communications Representative Doug Warner.

Swepco says this is part of their Ashdown – 12th Street Transmission Line Rebuild project in Miller and Little River counties.

“It’s a 19-mile stretch and that’s probably the most visible part of it right there, you know, in, in part of the heart of Texarkana, right along a very busy road,” says Warner.

The project is expected to reduce the amount of large community-wide power outages.

“So those transmission lines, those huge transmission towers, are critically important because it impacts so many different communities,” says Warner.

It would also ensure the lights stay on during severe weather.

“We hear a lot about what are you doing in preparation of the next storm and the next storm and the next storm. And that’s, pictures don’t lie. That’s kind of proof of the pudding right there.” says Warner.

Swepco says this is just one example of the work they are doing to improve their communities.

“So this kind of work is important. It’s going on all the time. This one just happens to be right along a very busy road where everybody can see it.” says Warner.

The project is expected to be finished by the end of the year.

Depending on the weather, the work along Jefferson Avenue is expected to last through Saturday.

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