April Commission Meeting Wrap-Up: Work Zone Awareness campaign begins; more than $175 million in projects awarded
PR #26-013
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s Tuesday, April 6 meeting include the kick off of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority’s work zone awareness initiative, approval to continue a contract to replace the US-70 Roosevelt bridge over Lake Texoma and awarding a project to expand I-40 between the Kickapoo Turnpike and McCloud and three bridge rehabilitation projects on US-64/412 west of Tulsa.
Secretary of Transportation and ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz read a proclamation from Gov. Kevin Stitt declaring April 20-24, 2026, “Oklahoma Work Zone Awareness Week” and debuted a new work zone safety public service announcement for social media.
The “Safe Actions Save Lives” initiative encourages drivers to take simple safety steps during the state’s busiest construction season - putting away distractions and buckling up. It is a theme to help remind motorists of their responsibility to be safe in highway work zones and is part of the National Work Zone Awareness campaign led by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
“The emphasis I would put on everything is: Give us some room as we try to improve the transportation system that we’re responsible for,” Gatz said. “Slow down and observe the posted speed limit when you’re traveling through work zones. Put down those distractions and pay attention to what’s in front of you.”
Gatz also stressed the importance of seat belt usage.
“If we can increase our seat belt usage in the state of Oklahoma, I assure you we will lower our severe injury and fatality crash rates, so buckle up,” he said.
Commissioners approved the joint venture of Zachry Construction and Traylor Bros., Inc. as the apparent best value proposer to move forward with the replacement of the US-70 Roosevelt Bridge over Lake Texoma. The contract, which is a unique project delivery method, is valued at $408 million with construction expected to begin later this summer and completion anticipated in the fall of 2029.
“This is absolutely an enormous investment for the Department of Transportation, but it is a generational investment in Oklahoma’s future,” Gatz said. “We’re going to continue to have to foster good, safe transportation opportunities for our citizens. This is a step down that path.”
A $73 million contract to widen five miles of I-40 between I-335/Kickapoo Turnpike and McCloud to six lanes was also approved by the Commission. Improvements also include the Fishmarket Rd. bridge over I-40. Work should begin in fall 2026 and last about three years.
Another contract approved was to resurface nine miles of I-35 through Norman. This nearly $6 million project will replace the existing 10 to 12-year-old surface and extend the life of the roadway. Nighttime construction is expected to begin in June and last approximately three months.
In northeast Oklahoma, three bridge rehabilitation contracts were awarded along US-64/US-412 between the Cimarron Turnpike and the Tulsa metro area, totaling $13 million. The bridges are located at the Arkansas River in Pawnee County, 177th W. Ave and Shell Creek in Tulsa County. Work on all three is expected to begin after Labor Day and last about a year.
Drivers can view or subscribe to receive traffic advisories by email at www.oklahoma.gov/odot or follow ODOT on X or Facebook.
The nine-member Oklahoma Transportation Commission, appointed by the governor and legislative leadership to oversee the state’s transportation development, awards contracts monthly for road and bridge construction.
Commissioners voted to award 25 contracts totaling more than $175 million to improve interstates, highways and bridges statewide. The public may access a list of all awarded contracts at the ODOT Business Center.
The next Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, May 4. The meeting will be available to view live via Ustream and past meetings are available on YouTube and vimeo.com/odot.
Gov. Kevin Stitt proclaimed April 20 – 24 as “Oklahoma Work Zone Awareness Week.” At Monday’s Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting, Secretary Gatz presented the governor’s proclamation and reminded motorists to put away distractions, observe posted speed limits and wear their seat belt to help both highway workers and the traveling public make it home safely every day.
National Work Zone Awareness Week is recognized on April 20 – 24. Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority’s yearly safety campaign offers a solemn reminder that actions behind the wheel can have life-altering consequences. Learn more about the national campaign on the NWZAW website.
