Board approves cable barrier installation for US-412/Cherokee Turnpike; emergency bridge repair on I-44/Turner Turnpike
The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority approved a construction contract for cable barrier installation along the Cherokee Turnpike in Mayes and Delaware counties at its board meeting March 7. The more than $11 million contract was awarded to Sherwood Construction and will add cable barrier along all 32 miles of the US-412/Cherokee Turnpike between US-69 near Chouteau and the Oklahoma-Arkansas state line.
“I’ve seen a couple of examples lately where we have had tractor trailers get into cable barriers and they have saved lives,” said Secretary of Transportation and Executive Director of OTA Tim Gatz. “That cable has actually pulled those tractor trailers back into the center median and kept them from oncoming traffic.”
Board members were updated on the status of OTA’s partnership with the Central and Southeast tolling authorities. Starting this month, PIKEPASS is now interoperable with some parts of Florida. This partnership offers PIKEPASS customers the additional benefit of PIKEPASS in multiple states. Prior to today PIKEPASS was accepted in Texas and Kansas.
Board members voted to ratify an emergency declaration for emergency bridge repairs on I44/Turner Turnpike at the Chandler bridge. These repairs are in response to the bridge hit from Feb. 5.
‘It is extremely important to make sure whatever you are hauling is secure. Strap it down, chain it down, check it, double check it and check the height,” Gatz said. “Sometimes if it is not properly chained, unsecured loads will shift and result in a bridge hit.”
Board members were updated on drivers’ increasing usage on the Gilcrease Turnpike in west Tulsa. Toll revenues show the Gilcrease averaged more than 15,000 transactions per day in February. That’s up nearly 2,500 per day compared with January transactions.
The board, a six-member panel appointed by the governor to an eight-year term to oversee turnpike development, awards project contracts for road and bridge construction on a monthly basis.
The next Oklahoma Turnpike Authority board meeting is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 4, at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation Commission Room, 200 N.E. 21st St., Oklahoma City. The meeting also will be available to view live online.