Beginning Tuesday, Aug. 24, all traffic on US-62 and SH-82 on the south side of Tahlequah will use the new roundabout ahead of Labor Day weekend and the Cherokee National Holiday. The temporary traffic signals will be removed once the roundabout is opened, however some lanes will remain closed while concrete work continues. Drivers are urged to give full attention to the road and use extra caution while traffic adjusts to the new alignment. Traffic approaching the roundabout must yield to vehicles already in the roundabout before entering.
Tips for using a roundabout:
- Slow down: Slow down when approaching the roundabout.
- Look around: Choose the proper lane for the route you need. Signal your intended direction when approaching the roundabout.
- Be ready to yield: Traffic already in the roundabout has the right of way, regardless of lane. Look left and enter when clear.
- Exit: Remember to signal before exiting the roundabout.
On Tuesday, the detour from US-62 to southbound SH-82 will be closed to through traffic, but business access will remain open. Crestwood Dr. will be right turn only, and drivers can use the roundabout to head east on US-62. On Sept. 5, westbound US-62 will be narrowed to one lane west of the junction as the project completes.
The US-62 and SH-82 roundabout was partially opened on Friday, Aug. 18, for eastbound US-62 and northbound SH-82 motorists continuing into Tahlequah. ODOT estimates the project will be completed by early fall, weather permitting. The Oklahoma Transportation Commission awarded the approximately $5.8 million contract for the project to Becco Contractors in October 2022, and construction began in February 2023.
