September Commission Meeting Wrap-Up: ODOT highlights long-term transportation needs, Heartland Flyer funding to continue through 2027; nearly $60 million in projects awarded
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR #26-029
September Commission Meeting Wrap-Up:
ODOT highlights long-term transportation needs, Heartland Flyer funding to continue through 2027; nearly $60 million in projects awarded
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s September meeting include updates on the department’s Eight-Year Construction Work Plan, the Heartland Flyer passenger rail service, I-40 widening at Harrah/Newalla Road and the awarding of two US-69 resurfacing projects.
Transportation Secretary and Oklahoma Department of Transportation Executive Director Tim Gatz provided an update on the department’s Eight-Year Construction Work Plan and the growing cost of maintaining Oklahoma’s transportation system. ODOT’s highway system is valued at approximately $128 billion, with more than $30 billion in identified needs. The inflationary costs are eroding ODOT's buying power and is affecting the progress on the department's Eight-Year Construction Work Plan. Due to inflation and relatively flat funding, ODOT is examining how to balance major reconstruction with increased investment in preservation and maintenance.
Gatz also announced that the Heartland Flyer will continue operating through 2027, with funding provided by the Texas Department of Transportation and ODOT’s Passenger Rail Revolving Fund. ODOT will need approximately $2.5 million in additional annual legislative appropriations to continue the service beyond 2027. The Heartland Flyer typically carries about 79,000 to 80,000 passengers annually.
During the September meeting, commissioners received an update on the $73 million project to widen nearly five miles of I-40 at Harrah/Newalla Road to six lanes, replace two bridges, improve interchanges and increase safety features. Work began Tuesday and, weather permitting, is expected to be completed in 2029. Two US-69 pavement rehabilitation projects also are moving forward and expected to start early next year: a $7 million project near Caney in Atoka County and a $12 million project near Big Cabin in Craig County.
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.
ODOT’s safety message mirrors the nationwide “See Tracks? Think Train!” rail safety campaign the week of Sept. 16-27. Every three hours someone is hit by a train in the United States. On foot or in a vehicle, the result is the same — severe injury or even death. This effort is a concentrated week of rail safety education focusing on the importance of making safe choices when driving or walking near railroad tracks or trains.
The department has invited K‑12 students statewide to submit names for 24 of the agency’s winter-weather fleet in its second Snowplow Naming Contest. Additionally, this year partners at the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority will also be joining in the fun, offering 11 more snowplows to name in 2026. Submissions are due Sept. 28, with winners announced in November.
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 19 contracts totaling nearly $60 million to improve interstates, highways and bridges statewide. The public may access a list of all awarded contracts at the ODOT Business Center. View September’s Commission meeting on Vimeo.
The next Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 5. The meeting will be available to view live via Ustream and past meetings are available on YouTube and vimeo.com/odot.
The department has invited K‑12 students statewide to submit names for 24 of the agency’s winter-weather fleet in its second Snowplow Naming Contest.
