I-44 lanes open on Belle Isle bridge, work continues on pier project

• All lanes of westbound I-44 and Northwest Expressway are open.

• Restek Inc. was selected in September 2014 for an estimated $3 million rehabilitation project on the I-44 Belle Isle bridge.
• This project was designed to help extend the lifespan of the bridge, which opened in late 1978.
• The project started in early March and a completion date is estimated for early 2016.
• This bridge carries 100,000 vehicles on average per day.
• As contractors worked on the initial project, they uncovered significant damage in at least two piers that caused concern. This damage was not visible to the eye during previous inspections. It became visible as workers removed concrete on the piers in order to replace it with new concrete to extend the life of the bridge.
• This unknown damage prompted ODOT to close lanes and ramps on the bridge April 16 while emergency repairs were started on the piers. These closures help ensure the safety of both motorists and the workers who are working underneath the bridge.
• April 24 - Executive Director Mike Patterson issued an emergency declaration and tasked Sherwood Construction to perform a $500,000 interim project to reinforce the most deteriorated piers.
• May 4 - The Oklahoma Transportation Commission authorized ODOT to solicit bids for an emergency project to repair the extensive deterioration.
• May 20 - The $13.5 million emergency contract with Sherwood Construction for the major repair project was approved.
• Late June - The closed lanes of I-44 reopened.
• Late August - Westbound I-44 off-ramp to NW Expwy opened. The ramp is expected to close temporarily as the project progresses.
• Late October - The eastbound NW Expwy on-ramp to eastbound I-44 reopened.
• Winter 2015/2016 - The major repair project on deteriorated piers by Sherwood Construction is expected to be completed.
• Winter 2015/2016 - All rehabilitation work by Restek is scheduled for completion.

TO LEARN more about this project, see the following press releases:

• April 24 —Closures necessary on Belle Isle bridge
• May 4 — I-44 Belle Isle bridge becomes focus of transportation commission
• May 22 — Additional contract for major repairs approved for I-44 Belle Isle bridge in Oklahoma City

Related Topics

Eight-Year Construction Work Plan

Current Construction Projects Map

Flooding Road Closure Map

Traffic Cameras

Load Posted Bridges

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