Local News
Eastbound I-40 reopens near Forrest City
St. Francis County, Arkansas – After crews completed work on the damage from a fiery tanker truck crash, the Arkansas Department of Transportation has reopened the eastbound lanes of Interstate 40 near Forrest City.
The roadway was cleared and reopened around 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, nearly 21 hours after the Monday afternoon crash, according to the IDrive Arkansas system.
A truck hauling diesel fuel was involved in the crash, fuelling the massive fire, ARDOT officials said.
Earlier Tuesday traffic officials had kept the eastbound lanes closed due to the fire damaging the bridge near Mile Marker 246 near Widener. ARDOT officials said that crews had to test the roads for safety before reopening the interstate.
As of Tuesday morning, crews are still removing oil and diesel fuel from the roadway.
At this time, officials with ARDOT and the Arkansas State Police have not released any information on any injuries, deaths or the cause in this incident.