ODOT selects new interchange design for I-35 and SH-9 West in McClain County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 14, 2022
Press Release # 22-003
Following input from the public and stakeholders, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is announcing its preferred design for reconstruction of the I-35 and SH-9 West interchange near Goldsby in McClain County. The project will now move forward to the next phases of development, which include more detailed design, environmental review, right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation in preparation for future construction.
The selected design proposes reconstruction of the I-35 and SH-9 West interchange as a Diverging Diamond Interchange with an additional reliever ramp to N.W. 12th Ave. The DDI option, Alternative 2B, was the preferred choice of the Town of Goldsby and the City of Newcastle while also providing the best outcome for users of this interchange. This design will help alleviate traffic backups on southbound I-35 during peak travel times and provides easy access to both SH-9 West and the local road system. Additionally, S. Harvey St. and N.W. 12th Ave. will be realigned to connect to the intersection of Bankers Ave. and Lamar Rd., west of I-35. The preferred design, Alternative 2B, was selected from four proposals presented for consideration.
The innovative DDI design can accommodate large volumes of turning traffic by shifting traffic to the left side of a divided roadway through a series of coordinated signals for safer and more efficient left turns. Oklahoma’s first DDI at I-40 and SH-6 in Elk City opened in 2020 and has received many accolades, including national awards for quality bridge and pavement construction.
The department hosted a public meeting about this project on Nov. 18, 2021, in Goldsby and received written comments from more than 50 individuals and stakeholder organizations.
During evaluation of the various design concepts and feedback from the public and stakeholders, ODOT determined the DDI is the best design for managing current and future traffic volumes on I-35 and SH-9 West as rapid growth and development continue in this area. I-35 currently carries nearly 82,000 vehicles per day in this area, and traffic volumes are projected to grow to 128,000 vehicles per day by 2050.
The estimated $20 million interchange reconstruction project is currently scheduled in ODOT’s Eight-Year Construction Work Plan to go to bid in 2023.
The public can find more information about this project by visiting www.odot.org and clicking “Program & Projects” and then “Public Meetings and Hearings.”
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The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has selected Alternative 2B as the preferred design for reconstruction of the I-35 and SH-9 West interchange near Goldsby in McClain County. The preferred alternative includes configuration of I-35 and SH-9 West as a Diverging Diamond Interchange with a dedicated southbound I-35 off-ramp to N.W. 12th Ave.
