The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department has awarded the first bid to widen a section of Interstate 540 from four to six lanes.

APAC-Central of Fayetteville was awarded a $5.8 million contract to widen 1.4 miles of I-540 between U.S. 62, also known as Martin Luther King, Jr., Boulevard, and Arkansas 16, also known as Wedington Drive.

Work could begin on the project in two to four weeks. The project should be completed in the fall of 2012.