I-44/H.E. Bailey Turnpike to be narrowed for pavement reconstruction between Walters and Geronimo

Construction begins August 17 on a pavement reconstruction project along 10 miles of the I-44/H.E. Bailey Turnpike between US-277/SH-5 near Walters and SH-36 near Geronimo (mm 20-30) in Cotton County.

Project Impacts: (weather permitting)

Motorists traveling through this section of the H.E. Bailey Turnpike should expect temporary lane closures and traffic shifts throughout construction. Drivers are encouraged to slow down, remain alert, and follow all posted signage when traveling through the work zone.

• I-44/H.E. Bailey Turnpike between US-277/SH-5 near Walters and SH-36 near Geronimo (mm 20-30) will be narrowed to one lane going northbound and southbound, while traffic shifts to one side of the turnpike while work is performed on the opposite side.
• All ramps will remain open throughout every phase of construction, although motorists may experience temporary impacts near ramps as construction progresses.

Initial Scheduled Impacts: (weather permitting)

The following traffic impacts are scheduled during the initial week of construction:

• Monday, August 17 - Thursday, August 20: The westbound lane of I-44/H.E. Bailey Turnpike will be narrowed near Geronimo (MM 30-25) for milling and asphalt operations.
• Monday, August 17 - Thursday, August 20: The eastbound lane of I-44/H.E. Bailey Turnpike will be narrowed near State Highway 5 (MM 20-21) for barrier wall delivery.
• Wednesday, August 19: The eastbound lane of I-44/H.E. Bailey Turnpike will be narrowed near Gernonimo (MM 24- 30) for barrier wall installation at crossovers.
• Thursday, August 20: The westbound lane of I-44/H.E. Bailey Turnpike will be narrowed near Gernonimo (MM 30 - 28) for barrier wall installation at the crossover.
• Friday, August 21: The westbound lane of I-44/H.E. Bailey Turnpike will be narrowed near State Highway 5 (MM 25 - 20) for milling, asphalt operations, and barrier wall delivery.
• Friday, August 21: The westbound lane of I-44/H.E. Bailey Turnpike will also be narrowed near Gernonimo (MM 30 - 28) for barrier wall installation at the crossover.

Project Background:

The $57.2 million project will provide a long-term improvement to the roadway through full-depth pavement reconstruction. The existing pavement requires reconstruction to restore the roadway and improve the driving experience for motorists.

This project is also the first H.E. Bailey Turnpike project in the ACCESS Oklahoma program to enter active construction. ACCESS Oklahoma is the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority’s long-range plan to modernize the state’s turnpike system through investments in roadway conditions, safety, and capacity.

The project was awarded to Duit Construction Co. at the OTA Board’s June 2026 meeting. To encourage timely and accurate completion, the contractor may earn up to $3,000 per day for a maximum of 20 calendar days for potentially moving up the project completion timeline.

Construction is anticipated to continue through early 2028, weather permitting.

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority encourages motorists to plan ahead, use caution in the work zone, and allow additional time when traveling through the construction area.