UPDATE: JULY 7, 2026
ORIGINAL: JULY 6, 2026
The Arkansas Department of Transportation’s (ARDOT) Central Office Tower is expected to reopen on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, following a temporary closure triggered by elevated asbestos levels. Officials confirmed the building is safe for employees to return after comprehensive cleaning and recent air quality tests showed asbestos concentrations are well under regulatory limits. Read more below.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The facility was initially closed on July 1, according to Dave Parker, ARDOT Public Information Officer, out of an abundance of caution after air samples collected between June 17 and June 22 indicated the presence of asbestos fibers. ARDOT attributed the elevated particulate levels to ongoing building renovations and they scheduled asbestos abatement procedures.
WHO IS WORKING ON IT?
To address the issue, ARDOT enlisted ATOKA, Inc., a professional environmental consulting firm with EPA-accredited and Arkansas-licensed monitors, to perform ambient air sampling. The Department also initiated contact with the Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality, the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, and the Arkansas Department of Health to conduct independent inspections and assessments.
WHAT’S THE STATUS?
Following a full cleaning of the impacted areas last week, and additional testing over the weekend, ARDOT reported that the environment is clear for re-entry, assuming final data recommendations from licensed professionals support the reopening. Moving forward, the Department plans to conduct periodic testing on a more frequent basis as the building renovations resume.
HOW IS STAFF AFFECTED?
During the closure, central office employees were authorized to work remotely or utilize administrative paid leave, ensuring no disruption to their compensation. While ARDOT’s general pandemic-era remote work policies coincidentally ended on July 1, the department allows situational remote work for short-term, operationally necessary events such as this closure.
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