Arkadelphia prepares for road closures ahead of Winter Storm Fern

The City of Arkadelphia is preparing for expected winter weather related to Winter Storm Fern and is announcing anticipated road closures to help protect public safety.

Meteorologists are forecasting 2 to 5 inches of snow and ice beginning Friday night and continuing through the weekend. With below-freezing temperatures expected through Sunday, city officials are taking early action to reduce the risk of icy and dangerous road conditions.

The Arkadelphia Police Department and Street Department are prepared to close or partially close the following streets as conditions require:

• North 15th Street – from Welch Street to Wilson Street
• North 15th Street – from Country Club Drive to the last driveway
• North 12th Street – from Huddleston Street to MH Russell Drive
• North Park – from Brentwood Drive to Forest Park
• 3rd Street – from Crittenden Street to Hemphill Road
• Crawford Street – from 4th Street to 3rd Street
• Friendship Drive – from North 10th Street to Country Club Drive

Drivers are urged to use caution, obey posted signage, and avoid travel in these areas whenever possible.

“Even small amounts of snow and ice can create dangerous driving conditions,” said Police Chief Jason Jackson. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are prepared to close or partially close streets that are known problem areas during winter weather. While these are not the only areas we are monitoring, they have caused issues in the past. Our priority is the safety of residents, visitors, and first responders.”

The Street Department has prepared three sand spreaders with a sand-and-salt mixture and two plows equipped with spreaders to treat and clear roads once snowfall begins. Roads cannot be pretreated because rain is expected before freezing temperatures arrive, which would wash away the treatment.

The Arkansas Department of Transportation is responsible for treating and maintaining Pine Street and North 10th Street, as these are state-maintained roadways.

City officials will continue to share updates on road closures and reopenings through the city website and official social media channels. Residents are encouraged to follow @arkadelphiaar and enroll in CLARKArk Alerts by texting CLARK to 78015.

ESSENTIAL MEDICAL PERSONNEL
The Arkadelphia Police Department is prepared to assist with transportation for essential medical staff if needed. Medical personnel requiring transportation should contact the Clark County Dispatch Center at 870-246-4545 and select Option 1.