Drivers in McCurtain County can expect a disruption to traffic next week as engineers perform preliminary research for future improvements to US-259. Drivers can expect intermittent lane closures and flaggers halting and directing traffic along US-259 between US-259A South to Golf Course Rd. from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Public input in May resulted in the Oklahoma Department of Transportation taking these initial steps in the process which will ultimately result in a five-lane highway, including a turn lane, through Hochatown.
On Monday, engineers will take pavement and soil samples which will help in determining how to approach the project, taking into consideration the pavement life cycle, soil strength and replacement needs, among other factors. Following this review, the consultant will prepare a report to the department which will guide engineers in planning the next phases.
“We appreciate the public’s patience as we move forward with plans to address an ever-expanding area. The department is sensitive to the growth in Hochatown and plans to alleviate congestion by creating a four-lane Main Street, not a four-lane interstate,” District Engineer Anthony Echelle said. Drivers are encouraged to use caution next week with workers in the area.
The pavement samplings set for next week are just one component of a much larger effort, which is currently underway and is common practice with any project. The department has two projects scheduled in its Eight-year Construction Work Plan. The first is a $20 million, two mile stretch from US-259A South to US-259A North which is anticipated to receive bids later this year. The second is a $37.5 million, four mile stretch from US-259A North to Golf Course Rd., scheduled in the Eight-year Plan for fiscal year 2026.
