July Commission Meeting Wrap-Up: America's milestones reflected in road signs; $117 million in projects awarded
PR#26-020
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s July meeting include an update on the installation of commemorative Freedom 250 road signs, approval of the new edition of the County Improvements for Roads and Bridges (CIRB) 5-Year Construction Work Plan and authorization of a widening and reconstruction project on SH-9 in eastern Norman and a reconstruction project on US-69 through Muskogee.
More than 30 signs commemorating America’s 250th birthday are being installed across Oklahoma interstates, Route 66 and on the “Donald Trump Highway,” a 20-mile stretch of US-287 in the Panhandle. The signs not only celebrate the USDOT Federal Highway Administration’s broader Freedom 250 initiative, but also the 70th anniversary of the U.S. interstate system and the Route 66 centennial.
“It’s an honor to partner with FHWA and USDOT to put these signs up. We think it is appropriate recognition on our highways. Both Route 66 and our interstate system represent a significant part of the United States' ability to move goods, services and people safely across this country. And they serve that purpose not only in our past, not only in our present, but they're going to be critical to our future,” said Transportation Secretary and Oklahoma Department of Transportation Executive Director Tim Gatz.
Commissioners approved the annual update to the CIRB Construction Work Plan for Fiscal Years 2027 through 2031. This edition of the plan includes nearly $950 million for 238 off-system, county bridge projects and addresses 808 miles of county roads throughout the next five years. The CIRB uses designated state funding administered by ODOT combined with federal, local and tribal funds for the highest priority transportation projects. The plan is updated each year in partnership with county commissioners, their Circuit Engineering Districts and ODOT. More information about the plan and the full CIRB project list can be found here or by visiting www.odot.org and clicking on ODOT Information under the About section.
During the July meeting, commissioners approved a more than $33 million contract to widen and reconstruct SH-9 in east Norman between 108th Ave. S.E. and 156th Ave. S.E. The highway will be widened to four lanes with a dedicated center-turn lane, in addition to two bridge replacements. An ongoing effort to expand the highway between Norman and Tecumseh, work is estimated to begin early 2027 and take about a year and a half.
In addition, commissioners approved a more than $44 million contract to reconstruct 2.5 miles of US-69 through Muskogee, with a portion between Border Ave. and US-62W/Okmulgee Ave. widened to six lanes. This will have a major impact on traffic along the US-69 corridor. Drivers are encouraged to use SH-165 and US-62 as a detour. The project is estimated to begin in October and will take about two years. Drivers can view or subscribe to receive traffic advisories via email by signing up at www.oklahoma.gov/odot or can 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 20 contracts totaling $117 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, August 3. The meeting will be available to view live via Ustream and past meetings are available on YouTube and vimeo.com/odot.
At the July Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s monthly meeting, commissioners were informed that more than 30 signs are being installed across Oklahoma interstates and highways. The signs are part of the USDOT Federal Highway Administration’s broader Freedom 250 initiative.
At the July Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s monthly meeting, commissioners approved the annual update to the CIRB Construction Work Plan for Fiscal Years 2027 through 2031. The plan is updated each year in partnership with county commissioners, their Circuit Engineering Districts and ODOT.
