City of Moore, Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Congressman Tom Cole Break Ground on SH-37/S.E. 4th St. Bridge Construction Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release #25-005
City of Moore, Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Congressman Tom Cole Break Ground on SH-37/S.E. 4th St. Bridge Construction Project
The City of Moore and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking for the SH-37/S.E. 4th St. Bridge Construction Project, Monday, April 14, a long-anticipated project and landmark initiative aimed at improving safety and mobility in the region.
Congressman Tom Cole, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, joined local and state officials to celebrate the commencement of the nearly $30 million project, awarded to Allen Contracting at November’s Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting. This construction includes a new BNSF railroad bridge over SH-37/S.E. 4th St. The highway will be lowered to create an underpass, effectively separating the busy railroad from the much-traveled SH-37/S.E. 4th St. This vital improvement will reduce the risk of accidents and enhance traffic movement, addressing long-standing congestion issues.
“I am so proud to have helped secure the funding for the SH-37 Railroad Underpass project in Moore. This project is critical to helping keep Oklahomans safe by reducing the number of collisions between vehicles, trains, and cyclists, and I look forward to seeing the finished underpass,” said Congressman Cole.
“We are excited to see the beginning of this transformative project that will benefit not only the residents of Moore but also commuters, emergency responders, and visitors to the area,” said Moore Mayor Mark Hamm. “The new bridge will alleviate train-related blockages, making it safer for everyone traveling through this busy corridor.”
The project marks a significant step in addressing congestion, improving safety, and ensuring smoother transit in Moore. Notable improvements include the separation of the railroad and highway, creating an underpass that will help prevent collisions and eliminate daily disruptions caused by the approximately 36 trains passing through the area. The project will also feature a bike/pedestrian bridge and pathway along the underpass to increase safety for non-motorized travelers. Additional benefits including reduced traffic congestion, improved emergency response times, and better access to local retail areas, services and the nearby hospital are all expected with the project’s completion.
"This project is a pivotal infrastructure investment in the future of Moore and the surrounding region,” said Director Tim Gatz, Oklahoma Department of Transportation. “We are not only enhancing safety and reducing congestion, but we’re also supporting economic growth and improving quality of life for residents, commuters and visitors alike. This is a critical step toward ensuring a safer, more efficient transportation network for all."
Local officials are excited about the anticipated outcomes, which include enhanced safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, as well as a smoother travel experience for everyone who relies on SH-37 as their preferred transit route.
The project is a joint effort by the City of Moore, ODOT, BNSF Railway and is partially funded by the Raise Grant and Congressional Discretionary Spending. The project is anticipated to be completed by the summer of 2026.
Ceremonial groundbreaking at SH-37/S.E. 4th St. from left: ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz, Congressman Tom Cole, Moore Mayor Mark Hamm, Councilmember Melissa Hunt, City Manager Brooks Mitchell, Councilmember Louie Williams and Councilmember Kathy Griffith.
