Flood Damage Causes Delays On Old Road To NW Ark.

Flood damage to U.S. 71 north of Mountainburg is causing delays on the old highway between northwestern Arkansas and the rest of the state.

The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department says the road will be down to one lane for about two months. The highway began having trouble last year with pavement sliding downhill. Recent heavy rains have made the problem worse.

Motorists will encounter a stop sign at the project site, then must alternate with oncoming traffic to go through the construction zone.

Until Interstate 540 opened 10 years ago, a twisty-turny U.S. 71 linked northwestern Arkansas with Interstate 40. The route has much less traffic now, but still draws drivers seeking scenery.