November Commission Meeting Wrap-Up Commission receives update on federal funding legislation; $94 million in projects awarded
Nov. 8, 2023
PR# 23-027
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s Monday, Nov. 6, meeting include an update on the status of the federal funding continuing resolution; plans to address additional off-system, structurally deficient bridges; approval of an installation project for wrong-way counter measures on I-35; a resurfacing project in Midwest City and a bridge rehabilitation project on I-244 in Tulsa.
Secretary of Transportation and ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz updated the commission on the status of the federal funding Continuing Resolution affecting federal transportation funding. The department is currently operating under a short-term funding extension passed in late October which preserves federal transportation funding through Nov. 17, but a long-term bill is needed to help state DOTs fund projects into the new year. If another resolution is passed in the meantime, it can sustain the department’s operations and keep projects moving forward until there can be final legislation passed for a full appropriations bill.
“We will be cautious as we move forward and diligent about making decisions to invest the federal funds that we have available until we get past this and into a full appropriations bill. We’re confident that will happen,” said Gatz.
Using a portion of the Formula Bridge Program funding, the department established a city Structurally Deficient Bridge Plan in July 2022 to eliminate off-system structurally deficient bridges. Working in conjunction with the cities to continue in those efforts, the commission approved adding 15 bridges in Blanchard, Coweta, Grove, Henryetta, Idabel, Inola, Medicine Park, Seminole, Skiatook, Waynoka and Woodward to the plan.
Commissioners also approved a nearly $5 million project for the installation of I-35 countermeasures to help prevent wrong-way drivers between Oklahoma County and the Texas state line. Work includes installation of flashing signs, sign upgrades and raised pavement marking. This is the fourth project, following installations on I-40 from Oklahoma County west to Texas, east to Arkansas and I-35 north from Oklahoma County to Kansas.
The commission also voted to approve a nearly $5.5 million resurfacing project on Midwest Blvd. in Midwest City that will repave 3 miles of asphalt, improve drainage and create ADA compliant sidewalks. The project is in partnership with the City of Midwest City and Association of Central Oklahoma Governments through its Transportation Improvement Plan.
Also approved was a $9 million bridge rehabilitation and lighting upgrade of the eastbound I-244 ramp to SH-11 in Tulsa. Work is expected to start in the Spring and will have a significant impact to Tulsa International Airport traffic.
Commissioners voted to award 27 contracts totaling more than $94 million to improve highways, roads and bridges statewide. The public may access a list of all awarded contracts at www.odot.org, selecting Business Center then Highway Construction Bidding.
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.
The next Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 4. The meeting will be available to view live via Ustream and past meetings are available at vimeo.com/odot.
At Monday’s Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting, the commission voted to approve a nearly $5 million project for the installation of I-35 countermeasures to prevent wrong-way drivers between Oklahoma County and the Texas state line. Work includes installation of flashing signs, sign upgrades and raised pavement marking.
At Monday’s Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting, the commission voted to approve a $9 million bridge rehabilitation and lighting upgrade of the eastbound I-244 ramp to SH-11 in Tulsa. Work is expected to start in the Spring and will have a significant impact to Tulsa International Airport traffic.
