February Commission Meeting Wrap-Up: Several projects underway on I-35 between Norman and Purcell; crews applauded for rescue efforts
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s Monday, Feb. 5, meeting include an update on several plans for the I-35 corridor between Norman and Purcell, including an asphalt overlay, reconstruction and six-lane expansion; recognition of District 6’s efforts during recent winter weather and overall storm totals for January.
Commissioners awarded a $1 million asphalt overlay project on I-35 at Main St. in Norman which is estimated to begin in the spring. The project will take about two weeks to complete and work will primarily be done overnight. The project was one of 11 asphalt overlays awarded this month for a total cost of $30 million, a trend likely to continue into summer time with warmer temperatures returning.
Secretary of Transportation and ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz updated commissioners that the I-35 and SH-9W interchange reconstruction and widening project is underway and is anticipated for completion in 2026. Construction began last week on the $105 million project and will not only convert the interchange into a Diverging Diamond Interchange but will widen the interstate to six lanes to connect with future expansion efforts to the south.
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.
In addition, commissioners approved an engineering contract to begin preparations on expanding I-35 in McClain County from four lanes to six from Johnson Rd. north two miles. A final report on how to address the corridor expansion from the Red River north to the Oklahoma River is still underway and with it will come an interactive dashboard for motorists that will map out critical corridor needs and solutions.
Crews statewide worked storms in a variety of methods this last month and Mother Nature may have more in store. Gatz reminded drivers to always pay full attention when driving, but especially in winter weather. There were 12 snow plows involved in crashes statewide, excluding the Oklahoma City metro area.
“When crashes happen, you not only add stress and possible injury to drivers, but you’re going to take that piece of equipment out of operation at a time we desperately need it on the highway. We need the public’s help when they’re out in challenging weather conditions: slow down, put away distractions and pay attention,” Gatz said.
Last month, the department spent nearly $4 million in materials and workforce and spent 37,000 hours on winter weather. Materials are restocked and crews are prepared to respond to any future demands.
In early January, ODOT District 6 crews were called to help seven men stranded on a closed county road near Guymon. Due to the blizzard like conditions, the men had been stranded for several hours without power or heat. Without slowing snow removal efforts, two ODOT employees went above and beyond, spending nearly two hours to make the 15-mile trip through near-zero visibility conditions to rescue the men, likely saving their lives.
Commissioners voted to award 23 contracts totaling $47 million to improve highways, roads and bridges statewide. The public may access a list of all awarded contracts at https://oklahoma.gov/odot/business-center/contracts-and-proposals.html selecting the January 11 and January 18, 2024 lettings.
The next Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, March 4. The meeting will be available to view live via Ustream and past meetings are available at vimeo.com/odot.
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.
At Monday’s Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting, the commission and ODOT were presented with the Gold Rural Award from the American Concrete Pavement Association for Excellence in Concrete Pavement Awards for a concrete pavement rehabilitation and bridge replacement project on I-40 in Vian. Pictured are Executive Director ACPA Oklahoma/Arkansas Brent Burwell, District 1 Commissioner Bob Coburn, District 1 Engineer Chris Wallace, Duit Construction Senior Vice President Mike Lipps and Secretary of Transportation and ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz.
At Monday’s Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting, Secretary of Transportation and ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz reminded drivers to always pay full attention when driving but especially in winter weather. In January, there were 12 snow plows involved in crashes statewide, excluding the Oklahoma City metro area, taking critical equipment out of operation.
At Monday’s Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting, commissioners and the department recognized heroic efforts of ODOT’s District 6 field crew. In early January, ODOT District 6 crews were called to help seven men stranded on a county road near Guymon. Due to the blizzard-like conditions and closed roads, the men had been stranded for several hours without power or heat. It took ODOT crews nearly two hours to make the 15-mile trip through near-zero visibility conditions to rescue the men, likely saving their lives. Pictured are Shawn Davis, Director of Operations; Jon Logan, District 6 Engineer; Gilbert Hernandez and Kenny Bales, District 6 crew members; Richard Dodgion, District 6 Maintenance Engineer and Secretary of Transportation and ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz.
