The Texas Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD), has again closed US 59/71 at the Red River (Index Bridge) between Texarkana, Texas, and Ashdown, Ark., due to floodwaters over the highway north of the river.

AS of 3 p.m., barricades had been placed north and south of the Red River bridges and portable message boards have been placed at major intersections either side of the closure to alert motorists. TxDOT personnel said the signs and barricades would remain at the flooded section of the roadway until the water recedes.

Motorists are advised to find alternate routes. One suggested detour route is east on I-30 to Fulton, Ark., go north on SH 355 to Saratoga and west on SH 32 to Ashdown. Another is to take I-30 west to New Boston, go north on Texas SH8/ Ark. SH 41 to Foreman and then east on SH 32 to Ashdown.

If water is covering a road, don’t try to cross. As little as six inches of water can float some vehicles.

  • It is illegal to remove barricades blocking lower water crossings. Penalties can range from $200 to $1,000 and/or two years in jail.
  • Never try to walk, swim or drive through swift water.
  • If your vehicle stalls in deep water, leave it and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
  • Turn around, don’t drown.

Road conditions and traffic updates are available at DriveTexas.

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