I-40 Bridge Update: Day 29 of 57 Construction Days
July 10, 2002, 4:30 p.m.
* Pier number one was completed earlier this week and bridge beams have been placed from the abutment out to that pier.
* Pier number two is expected to be complete by the end of today.
* The webwall of pier number three is constructed (the contour forming the pier) and workers are currently pouring the concrete for the three columns of the pier.
Eastbound Detour:
Several asphalt overlays began earlier this week: a nearly 12-mile stretch on SH-9 beginning near SH-26 extending east to US-59 and a nearly 5-mile stretch of SH-2 between Porum and the Canadian River. An approximate 5-mile stretch of US-59 from near the Arkansas River extending north almost to Sallisaw is expected to start July 22. Most work will be done during the overnight hours minimizing traffic interruptions. Little, if any, work will be done during the daytime hours.
Westbound Detour:
Two railroad crossings are currently being upgraded- one on Old Bridge Road (old US-64) in Gore and the other at the SH-10 / US-64 junction. Crossing gates are being installed by Union Pacific Railroad at these two crossings, while additional signs, pavement markings (rumble strips) and striping have been installed by ODOT at each crossing. The Old Bridge Road crossing is expected to be completely operational sometime Thursday (7/11) while the SH-10 crossing will be complete by the end of the month. These crossings average 18 trains daily.
* The public can visit our website at www.okladot.state.ok.us for the latest detour information and printable maps and pictures. The public can call 405/521-6002 for the same automated information.
MEDIA PHOTO-OP, FRIDAY
The I-40 bridge construction site will be open to the media Friday, July 12. This is an opportunity to view, take pictures or footage of Gilbert Central Construction building the new I-40 bridge. This photo-op will take place on the east side of the river. We will group on the eastbound lanes of I-40 at the gate first, and shortly before 11 a.m. you will follow us in your own vehicles as close as possible to the work area. We will not be able to drive into the work area so please be prepared to walk about 1/4 mile. (Please use your smaller vehicles, the area cannot accommodate satellite trucks!)
This is not a press conference, rather a photo-op, however both ODOT and Gilbert engineers will be on site to answer any questions. Because of the amount of equipment, supplies and construction traffic on the west side of the river, it is not possible for us to get close enough to that work site for photos. However the area on the east side will give you a better, bird's-eye view of the overall work area.
What: I-40 Bridge photo-op
When: Friday, July 12, meet at 10:30 a.m. and be on bridge from 11 - 11:30 a.m.
Where: at the gate on the eastbound lanes of I-40, on the east side of the river
Directions:
From the west:
Take the US-64 detour route east through Webbers Falls to Gore. Follow detour to the south in Gore rejoining I-40 at exit 291 on the east side of the river. Turn left and follow the on-ramp to eastbound I-40 and at the end of that ramp, U-turn on the eastbound lanes so that you are driving west on the eastbound side(these lanes are closed to traffic). Go around the two sets of barricades and stop at the gate. We will meet you there and lead you closer to the river. Because of the construction we will not be able to drive to the end of the bridge, so be prepared to walk about 1/4 mile.
From the east:
Take I-40 west and take the detour exit (exit 291). Turn left and go under I-40. Turn left and follow the onramp to eastbound I-40 and at the end of that ramp, U-turn on the eastbound lanes so that you are driving west on the eastbound side(these lanes are closed to traffic). Go around the two sets of barricades and stop at the gate. We will meet you there and lead you closer to the river. Because of the construction we will not be able to drive to the end of the bridge, so be prepared to walk about 1/4 mile.
Editor: Public Affairs will post the next update Wednesday, July 17. Please continue to visit www.okladot.state.ok.us for awards information, detour routes, maps and printable photographs.