October Transportation Commission Wrap-Up: Funding approved for 10 railroad crossing improvements
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2015
PR# 15-044
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s Monday, Oct. 12 meeting include approval of funding to improve 10 railroad crossings at several highways, city streets and county roads, a report on the need for more asset preservation projects and awarding of contracts for highway and bridge reconstruction in Tulsa, intersection modification in Claremore and the next phase of the bypass in Duncan.
The commission approved funding for the first 10 rail crossing projects included in a major initiative to improve crossing locations on highways, city streets and county roads in Oklahoma. Approximately $100 million is expected to be spent over the next three years to improve surfaces and signals at 300 rail crossings statewide. Previously, ODOT had only about $8 million a year in rail safety program funds to spend which improved about 25 crossings per year. These improvements will be funded by combining proceeds from the recent sale of the Sooner Sub rail line, dedicated rail safety funds from ODOT and funding from partners like cities and counties.
In his report to the commission, Executive Director Mike Patterson emphasized the importance of ODOT’s Asset Preservation Plan, which includes projects to extend the life of bridges and highway pavements for several years until major reconstruction can be performed. Due to the harsh winter and unprecedented flooding in the past year, the commission approved more funding to be directed toward asset preservation projects to help shore up pavements statewide.
Contracts for two major projects in the Tulsa area received commission approval, including widening and bridge replacement on SH-266 just east of US-169 in Tulsa and modification of the SH-20 intersection with Southhaven Rd./Clubhouse Rd. in Claremore. Both contracts have possible financial incentives for early completion of the work. Commissioners also awarded a $15.6 million contract for construction of the Duncan Bypass south connector. The first phase includes construction of flyover ramps and new roadway from the existing bypass to Seminole Rd. The final phase will tie the bypass back in with US-81 on the south side of Duncan.
In all, commissioners awarded 24 contracts totaling nearly $67 million to improve bridges, highways, interstates and roads. Most of these contracts were for asset preservation projects that span several counties. A list of awarded contracts can be viewed by visiting www.odot.org/newsmedia/awards/index.htm and clicking on the October link.
The eight-member panel, appointed by the governor to oversee the state’s transportation development, awards project contracts for road and bridge construction every month. The next meeting is scheduled for November 9 at 11 a.m. in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building in Oklahoma City.
Contracts, bid information, the commission’s monthly agenda and project details can be viewed at www.odot.org.
Approximately $100 million is expected to be spent by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation over the next three years to improve surfaces and signals at 300 rail crossings statewide. Candidates for improvement are shown on this map
—www.odot.org—
(Editors and News Directors:For more information, call the ODOT Media and Public Relations Division at 405-521-6000.)
