March Commission Meeting Wrap-Up: Engineering contracts for I-35, I-44 approved; $121.5 million awarded
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s Monday, March 2 meeting include a briefing on the recent wildfires, the status of the US-70 Roosevelt bridge project, approval of engineering contracts for projects on I-35 and I-44 in Oklahoma City along with awarding multiple paving contracts and a $35 million widening project in the Grand Lake area.
Secretary of Transportation and ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz began his report with a reminder to travelers and ODOT employees about wildfires. They have been prevalent during these dry conditions, primarily in the Panhandle, shutting down multiple roads last week. Gatz asked drivers to be mindful when pulling over onto grassy areas and to avoid dragging safety chains that could cause a spark. He pointed out transportation forces should avoid using certain equipment that could ignite dry materials. He was hopeful rains would alleviate concerns.
Director of Design Justin Hernandez briefed the commissioners on the status of the US-70 Roosevelt bridge replacement process which is a unique project delivery method. Last winter three teams were awarded contracts to work on proposals for an overall design, incorporate innovations, establish construction phases and develop cost estimates. One of the teams will be recommended, at the April 6 Commission meeting, to continue its contract with ODOT to deliver final engineering and construction services. Construction on the US-70 Roosevelt Bridge, located in Bryan and Marshall Counties, is anticipated to start later this year.
Commissioners approved a $5.4 million engineering contract to reconstruct and widen I-35 between I-40 and I-44 in Oklahoma City. The expectation is to improve the frontage roads, on and off-ramps and widen the interstate and bridges to six lanes. They also approved a nearly $3.2 million engineering contract to rehabilitate pavement on I-44 between SH-74/Lake Hefner Parkway and I-235 in the metro, which includes the Belle Isle bridge. Engineers anticipate repairs in multiple locations along the corridor and will review on and off ramp movements. Both projects are tentatively scheduled in the 8-Year Construction Work Plan for 2033.
Also approved were nine resurfacing and paving projects for $18 million that will improve nearly 90 miles of pavement in the state. “Asset preservation is extremely critical to our investment strategy. It ensures we can get the full life cycle out of our pavements,” Gatz said. These projects were scheduled in the four-year Asset Preservation Plan which includes nearly 286 projects worth roughly $509 million for preventative maintenance aimed at extending the life of the state’s highway and interstate system.
An interactive map showing all projects in the CWP and APP can be found on the ODOT homepage at www.odot.org, under “Programs and Projects”
Commissioners voted on a more than $35 million project to widen US-59 to four and five lanes between Jay and Grove near Grand Lake in northeastern Oklahoma. The project will include safety modification for sight distance and access. It was made possible through a $32 million federal INFRA grant secured by the Cherokee Nation. Work is anticipated to begin in July and last about a year and a half. 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 26 contracts totaling nearly $121.5 million to improve interstates, highways and bridges statewide. The public may access a list of all awarded contracts at the ODOT Business Center https://oklahoma.gov/odot/business-center/contracts-and-proposals.html
The next Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, April 6. The meeting will be available to view live via Ustream and past meetings are available on YouTube and vimeo.com/odot.
Crews in the Panhandle had to close several highways during the massive wildfires in late February. At the monthly Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting, Secretary of Transportation and ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz reminded drivers and transportation forces to avoid doing anything that might cause a spark such as parking in a dry grassy area or dragging safety chains.
