I-40 closure in Arkansas due to flooding?

My sweetie is heading from Liberal, KS to Atlanta for delivery on Wed. 5/11, and was originally routed on I-40 to Memphis. Company notified him of the closure that's in effect from Hazen (EB mm 198 ) to West Memphis so he's looking for a different route.

Since my sweetie has time to plan ahead, would you or anyone advise following the long AR DOT detour or just heading down to I-20 and due East? Only about 40-miles for rerouting down I-35 from OKC to I-20, but looks like it will save about 2-1/2 hours for a closer-to-appointment delivery, rather than following that long detour. How's the river looking on I-20 around Vicksburg, MS? Anyone been through there?

Any news or advice that I can pass along would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

I came through Vicksburg Saturday afternoon the river was up but no danger of flooding the hwy.

 

http://www.arkansashighways.com/

 

Well,it seems that I-35/I-20 is too far out of route even though the load delivers in Atlanta - which I-20 passes through, so Vicksburg crossing is out. So I guess he'll continue on I-40 until the AR detour.

Clayton1973, did you see EB trucks on that "suggested" WB route when you came through? The EB route that AR DOT has planned takes drivers way south, nearly to Louisiana before heading back north to I-40. Makes sense to take the "northern" route to get back to I-40. Especially if e-log constraints and limited speed are factors for on-time deliveries.

Will pass the info along since he can't check online routing while driving.

Thanks everyone.

 

I think the reason they are running each direction different detours is to keep all the traffic off one highway, if not it would be a total nightmare to run 4 lanes of interstate traffic on that US highway.

 

http://www.fox16.com/default.aspx