August Commission Wrap-Up: Local projects receive grant funding, $112 million in contracts awarded

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                
Aug. 3, 2016
PR# 16-037

Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s Monday, Aug. 1 meeting include award of nearly $22 million in federal funding for local transportation alternatives projects and emergency declarations for repair of damage to an I-35 bridge in Murray County and a railroad bridge in Kay County. Commissioners also awarded contracts for major Oklahoma Department of Transportation projects on SH-51 in Tulsa County, US-75A in Okmulgee County, several traffic signals in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City metro areas, the Duncan Bypass in Stephens County and SH-99 in Johnston County. 

The commission approved nearly $22 million in federal funding to be matched with local funding for 45 projects to improve bicycle and pedestrian transportation in several Oklahoma communities as part of the Transportation Alternatives Program. Commissioners praised the program and the benefits the selected projects will bring to the local communities.

Agency worked with Oklahoma’s 11 sub-state planning districts to review and recommend eligible project applications, and will work with the local governments to design and administer the projects. 

“This program makes it possible for local governments to provide a safer, more connected transportation system for bicyclists, pedestrians and drivers. These projects can have a major impact, especially in small communities,” Executive Director Mike Patterson said. “We had so many great project applications this year, and I appreciate the sub-state planning districts providing their recommendations of quality projects that will have a significant impact on the communities.”

Funding for TAP is designated for local projects like sidewalks, pedestrian and bicycle trails, streetscapes, safe routes to school, and environmental or historical preservation. A complete list and map of projects receiving TAP funding can be found at www.odot.org/tap.

Executive Director Mike Patterson gave an update on emergency contracts issued to repair damage to two bridges. The US-77 bridge over I-35 near Turner Falls was recently struck by an oversized vehicle and is being repaired this week. A railroad bridge on the state-owned Blackwell Northern Gateway Rail Line near Braman was damaged by a fire in June and ODOT is currently designing a repair project.

Commissioners voted to award a nearly $1.3 million contract for landslide repair on SH-51 near Sand Springs and a $16.2 contract to reconstruct nearly eight miles of US-75A between Beggs and Mounds. They also approved two contracts to make safety improvements to traffic signals on several highways in eastern and central Oklahoma, including the Tulsa and

Oklahoma City metro areas. The traffic signals will be upgraded with a reflective border around the lights to make them more visible to drivers, especially at night.

The commission also approved a $14 million contract for construction of the final phase of the Duncan Bypass South Connector in Duncan and a more than $11 million contract with financial incentives for highway and bridge reconstruction on US-377/SH-99 north of Tishomingo.

In all, commissioners awarded 29 contracts totaling $112 million to improve bridges, highways, interstates and roads in 22 counties. Contracts were awarded for projects Bryan, Cherokee, Creek, Dewey, Garfield, Garvin, Haskell, Jackson, Johnston, Kay, Lincoln, Love, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Stephens, Texas, Tillman, Tulsa and Wagoner counties. A list of all awarded contracts can be found by visiting www.odot.org/contracts, selecting the July letting and clicking Go and then Award.

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. Due to the Labor Day holiday on Sept. 5, the next meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6.

Contracts, bid information, the commission’s monthly agenda and project details may be viewed at www.odot.org.

At its Monday, Aug. 1 meeting, the Oklahoma Transportation Commission approved nearly $22 million in federal Transportation Alternatives Program funding for 45 projects requested by local governments, including sidewalks, streetscapes and bicycle paths. These projects will help enhance safety, connectivity and quality-of-life. 

—www.odot.org—

(Editors and News Directors: For more information, call the ODOT Media and Public Relations Division at 405-521-6000.)