Bridge rehabilitation and repair projects to begin fall 2025; Stroud service plaza closure set for July 15

Two SH-364/Creek Turnpike bridges over Haikey Creek in Broken Arrow will undergo rehabilitation beginning in October after the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Board awarded a nearly $72 million construction contract. The project was awarded on Tuesday to OBC Inc. during the Board’s monthly meeting.

The 25-year-old bridges will have their concrete deck, parapets and concrete beams replaced and repairs made to the substructure. Traffic will remain open during construction but will be narrowed to one lane in each direction and shifted onto one bridge while work occurs on the other bridge. While the project is expected to continue through summer 2027, OTA’s agreement with contractors includes incentives to encourage timely and accurate completion of work. Contractors on this project may earn $20,000 per day, for a maximum of 45 days, to potentially move up the completion timeline to spring 2027. 

In September, bridge repairs are expected to begin on I-344/John Kilpatrick Turnpike at N.W. 23rd St. and N. Sara Road near Oklahoma City in Canadian County, following a strike Feb. 27 by an illegally over-height vehicle. Five beams on the two bridges were damaged in the strikes. Repairs will include removing damaged concrete, cleaning and preparing concrete surfaces, patching the spalled concrete with pneumatically placed mortar and repairing severed strands. The Board awarded the nearly $124,000 contract to Built Right Construction.

Westbound John Kilpatrick Turnpike (running south) will be narrowed to one lane nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for about a week for repairs. Additionally, there will be nonconcurrent closures on the Sara Rd. and 23rd St. bridges for the repairs. During these closures, the other bridge will remain open to serve as a local traffic detour. The project is expected to last 12 days and OTA’s agreement with contractors includes incentives to encourage timely and accurate completion of work. Contractors on this project may earn $5,000 per day, for a maximum of 3 days for early completion. 

Stroud Service Plaza closes temporarily

Executive Director Joe Echelle updated the Board on a significant change to the I44/Turner Turnpike Stroud service plaza, which will be closed to traffic at 8 a.m. July 15. This closure will allow construction of the new Love’s and McDonald’s facilities and the expansion of the truck parking lot to progress much faster and will increase safety for the traveling public who were trying to navigate an active construction zone. Commercial motor vehicle drivers should plan for the closure by fueling up before leaving Tulsa to travel on the Turner Turnpike, Echelle said. The service plaza is expected to reopen to the public by late fall 2025, about two months ahead of schedule. 

Summer travel reminders 

During the height of summer travel season, OTA reminded motorists of a few ways to make travel as easy and as safe as possible:

• Update your PIKEPASS account to reflect any additional axles during your trip. For example: Hauling a boat for a weekend at the lake.
• While making that update, please take the time to check your account for any other needed updates such as:
  • license plate number, 
  • email address, and
  • mobile phone number.
• Before pulling out of your driveway, check real-time travel information on highways and turnpikes at www.oktraffic.org or on the free Drive Oklahoma mobile app. 
• Secure your load. Check straps on items in the beds of pickups or trailers and ensure all items are securely tired down before traveling. Falling items or debris could have potentially fatal consequences for other motorists and it puts crews in harm’s way to clear roadways. 

ACCESS Oklahoma update 

Following public input meetings in Purcell and Norman in May, Director Echelle reported that public comments and numerous other data points are under evaluation to help determine the alignment of the South Extension Turnpike in east Norman and Cleveland County. Though public comment closed June 30, those with questions are encouraged to reach out to the ACCESS hotline at 1-844-562-2237 or by emailing info@accessoklahoma.com.