BELLEMONT – Drivers could be delayed on eastbound I-40 near Bellemont early Thursday, and Mother Nature is to blame. A recent lightning strike damaged a 90-foot pine tree adjacent to travel lanes at milepost 186, and the tree must be removed for safety.

Work is scheduled to occur on eastbound I-40 from 6 to 11 a.m. Thursday, July 13. I-40 will be narrowed to one lane; however, a full closure of eastbound travel lanes might be necessary to prevent debris from entering the roadway.

Drivers should plan to slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment, as well as law enforcement officers who will be on site to assist with traffic control.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except while driving.