Arlington drivers will face unprecedented traffic challenges beginning next week when a major project by the Union Pacific Railroad will simultaneously close five crossings from Bowen Road to Mesquite Street for several days. As the project moves further east, Bowen Road will open as Collins and Stadium Drive are closed to traffic.

The UP Rail Renewal project is expected to begin Thursday, January 17 with the partial closure of Bowen Road.

"We are asking drivers to start thinking about their alternate routes now,' said Rebecca Rodriguez, Marketing Communications Manager for the City of Arlington. "You don't want to wait until you pull out of your driveway on that first morning and wonder which way to go to work or get your child to school. We expect these closures to have a significant impact on traffic.'

The public is invited to attend a presentation about the project Monday, January 14 at 6 p.m. at Arlington City Hall.

The project's 250 man crew will work roughly 12 hours a day between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. to complete the project during the estimated time span. The railroad crossings will remain closed 24 hours a day during all phases of the track renewal.

For daily updates and information about the project, follow CityOfArlington on Facebookand Twitter @CityOfArlington #TrackRenewal.