Setting the sun on Traffic Henge: Work begins April 7 on I-44/US-75 interchange

Work on Tulsa's modern wonder known as "Traffic Henge" begins Monday, April 7, which will reconfigure the interchange of I-44 and US-75.

Beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, the westbound I-44 off-ramp to northbound US-75 will be closed for the duration of the project. Drivers will be able to detour using eastbound I-244 to northbound US-75. Nightly lane closures are also planned for north and southbound US-75 between 41st St. and 61st St. from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. weeknights through April 18.

Beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, Skelly Dr. will be closed between Union Ave. and Olympia Ave. until early June.

Drivers are urged to pay extra attention in the work zone. Obey all traffic signs and be prepared for changing traffic conditions and increased congestion in the area.

This $252 million project will complete the reconfiguration of the I-44/US-75 interchange. Other improvements during this phase include:

• Widen US-75 between 71st St. and 41st St.
• Replace the US-75 interchange at 61st St.
• New frontage road between 61st St. and Skelly Dr.
• Extend and connect 51st St. under US-75
• Pedestrian bridge over railroad along 51st St. near Elwood Ave.

The empty piers on site were constructed during the $90 million Phase 1 project due to available funding at the time and to save construction time as well as reduce traffic impacts during the remaining projects. After Phase 1's completion in early 2023, area residents began referring to the interchange as "Traffic Henge" or "Tulsa's Stonehenge" due to the sight of these empty bridge piers. 

This new project combines three phases into one to complete the interchange. The $252 million contract is ODOT's most expensive to date and includes $95 million in funding from two federal grants. A future project will complete the widening of I-44 between the I-44/I-244 Western Split and the Arkansas River.

The Oklahoma Transportation Commission awarded the contract for this project to Manhattan Road and Bridge in October 2024. Completion is anticipated in summer 2028, weather permitting. A ceremonial groundbreaking will be announced soon.