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       LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas Department of Transportation’s newest project aims to make some roadways across the state safer, which means travelers will see some changes during their commutes.
       In the coming months, Arkansas drivers will see Arkansas Department of Transportation road construction crews redesign interstate and highway lane markings to improve driver safety through a contrast pavement marking program.
       David Weston said ARDOT is currently in the process of installing contrasting road markings on all divided concrete roads across the state.
       ”We have 380 miles of concrete highway centerlines in our system,” said David Weston, assistant director of ARDOT’s maintenance department.
       On 380 miles of concrete median strips across the state, drivers will soon see a 10-foot strip of black paint along a 10-foot white median.
       ”This is a low-cost solution that will help improve safety and reduce accidents by allowing drivers and self-driving cars to better distinguish lane markings,” Weston said.
       The main objective of this contrasting road marking initiative is to improve visibility in inclement weather and bright sunlight.
       ”The reason for choosing a concrete surface instead of black asphalt is that white jumpers can sometimes be difficult to see during the day in direct sunlight,” Weston said. “This will help improve the clarity of the lane markings.”
       In the coming weeks, ARDOT will be adding contrasting striping to all divided concrete roads in the state. This will improve safety and visibility, especially in bright sunlight or inclement weather.
       The initial installation will cost about $150,000 and should last three to four years before the Department of Transportation will have to reapply the contrast markings, Weston said.
       Weston advised Arkansas drivers to prepare for lane closures that crews will be installing in the coming weeks.
       ”We typically close off lanes and put in place safety measures to monitor the movement of paint vehicles and our employees,” Weston explained.
       While the plan is in its early stages, Weston asked drivers to exercise caution while road crews complete the project.
       ”Help protect our workers and equipment,” Weston said. “This is a safety improvement for Arkansans to use our roads.”
       Crews have already begun installing markers in pine forests along Interstate 530 and will head to the Little Rock area in the coming weeks, depending on weather conditions, Weston said.