I-35 in the Arbuckle Mountains reopens in phases and ahead of schedule

August 6, 2015
Press Release #15-034

One lane of northbound I-35 is now open near Turner Falls in the Arbuckle Mountains.  The second northbound lane is expected to open Friday morning and two southbound lanes reopening mid-day Friday with all lanes open by Monday.

Crews will work to reopen all lanes in phases through Monday with hopes of completing sooner. The order in which lanes will open are as follows:

·         One lane of northbound I-35 now open;

·         Second lane of northbound I-35 will be opened Friday morning;

·         Southbound I-35 will be reopened to two lanes mid-day Friday; and

·         The third southbound I-35 lane and the southbound I-35 on-ramp from US-77 will reopen Monday.

Contractors working for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation have made tremendous progress with stabilizing the Arbuckle rock slide following heavy rains on June 18. Crews worked around the clock in order to successfully stabilize and clear the area. Workers persisted to expedite the process in all possible areas while maintaining a safe work zone.

Drivers can expect fewer delays through the weekend as the lanes reopen.  

The contractor will resume work in October on the final phase of installing rock bolts for future stabilization. This work is expected to only involve closure of the northbound shoulder area.

Advisories will be sent from this office as needed.