March 12 ODOT holding Purcell/Lexington bridge public input meeting on April 2
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration is hosting a public meeting to present information and solicit public input on a future project to replace the US-77/SH-39 bridge between Purcell and Lexington.
15-011 March 12 Wallis named ODOT's Division One Employee of the Year for 2014; Jacobs named Employee of the Quarter
Oklahoma Department of Transportation workers Sam Wallis and Billy Jacobs were recently honored as Division One Employee of the Year and Employee of the Quarter, respectively. Division One is headquartered in Muskogee and is responsible for highway construction and maintenance in Adair, Cherokee, Haskell, McIntosh, Muskogee, Okmulgee, Sequoyah and Wagoner counties.
15-009 March 6 Keep It Green and Clean: 27th Trash-OFF Set for April 11
Spring cleaning in Oklahoma means more than just tackling that overflowing bedroom closet and those cluttered kitchen cabinets. It's time to clean up Oklahoma's great outdoors, which could use a break from all those litterbugs.
15-008 March 5 March Commission Wrap-Up: New Port of Entry weigh station to be built on I-35 near Oklahoma/Texas border; $111.5 million in contracts approved
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, March 2 meeting include a governor's declaration of upcoming Work Zone Awareness Week in Oklahoma, presentation of national awards for Oklahoma Department of Transportation paving projects, an update on emergency repairs to a SH-11 bridge in Tulsa, awarding of a contract for the next Port of Entry weigh and inspection station in southern Oklahoma and approval of contracts for resurfacing and bridge rehabilitation on I-40 in Custer County, resurfacing of SH-102 in Pottawatomie County and widening of US-59 in Adair County.
15-007 March 3 ODOT Recipient of Prestigious National Pavement Awards
Two recent Oklahoma Department of Transportation projects received national recognition for project excellence from the American Concrete Pavement Association. The awards were presented to ODOT at the ACPA's 25th annual "Excellence in Concrete Pavement" awards which recognize companies and agencies for safe, efficient and durable concrete pavements.
15-006 February 12 I-35/SH-9 East/Lindsey St. project in Norman beginning in March; public invited to informational meeting
A major Oklahoma Department of Transportation project to widen I-35 and reconstruct the SH-9 East and Lindsey St. interchanges in Norman is scheduled to begin the first week of March. To help inform the public about the construction project and how it will impact traffic, ODOT is hosting a public information meeting in Norman on Feb. 26.
15-005 February 11 February Commission Wrap-Up: Next phase of Oklahoma City Boulevard construction and I-244 improvements in Tulsa move forward; $109 million in contracts approved
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, Feb. 9 meeting include recognition of Oklahoma Department of Transportation's highway beautification and litter removal efforts, announcement of ODOT pavement projects receiving national awards and approval of contracts for the next phase of Oklahoma City Boulevard construction and major interstate improvements in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Ardmore.
15-004 January 9 Three ODOT paving projects receive national recognition
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Oklahoma City-based contractor Haskell Lemon Construction Co. received three Quality in Construction Awards from the National Asphalt Pavement Association in late January. The national honor recognizes high quality asphalt pavement work and paving techniques as part of projects to construct roads, streets, highways, parking lots, airports and environmental and recreational facilities.
15-003 January 27 Expansion project beginning on fast-growing corridor, Public information meeting scheduled
Progress on one of Oklahoma City's most congested and fasting growing highway corridors is set to take a major step as the next project to reconstruct and widen SH-74 in north Oklahoma City is scheduled to begin the first week of February. In order to inform the public about the project and what local residents can expect during construction which will start earlier that week, a public information meeting is scheduled to take place at Crossings Community Church February 5 at 5:30 p.m.
15-002 January 7 January Commission Wrap-Up: Four new division engineers announced; new ODOT website focused on customer service and transparency
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, Jan. 5 meeting include introduction of four division engineers, an update on transportation funding issues in the coming year and announcement of an improved Oklahoma Department of Transportation website that is customer-focused and transparent.
15-001 January 5 ODOT names four new division engineers
Following several retirements and promotions of longtime employees in 2014, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation has announced the selection of leaders for four engineering divisions at the agency's headquarters in Oklahoma City.
January 2 January Transportation Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, Jan. 5
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will hold a special meeting at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 5 in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building, 200 N.E. 21st St. in Oklahoma City
14-053 December 19 Happy Days are Ahead for Oklahoma City Boulevard as Feds Give Thumbs Up with FONSI
Downtown drivers received some news of good cheer this week as the final approval of the environmental assessment for the Oklahoma City Boulevard was announced. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation received word late Tuesday that the Federal Highway Administration issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), marking the completion of the project's environmental planning phase.
14-052 December 10 December Commission Wrap-Up: Commission approves historic interstate projects in Norman and Canadian County, $156 million in contracts awarded
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, Dec. 8 meeting include approval of the largest single construction contract in the history of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for major work on I-35 in Norman and award of contracts for bridge work on I-40 in Canadian County, highway widening in Cleveland County and safety improvements on US-69 in McIntosh County.
14-051 December 8 Largest contract in ODOT history awarded for I-35 interchanges in Norman
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission made history at its Dec. 8 meeting with its approval of a contract for major I-35 work at two interchanges in Norman, the largest single construction contract awarded in the history of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. The contract had a $71 million base bid along with possible financial incentives for early completion for reconstruction of the north half of the I-35 interchange at SH-9 East and reconstruction of the Lindsey St. bridge as a Single Point Urban Interchange (SPUI).
December 5 December Transportation Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, Dec. 8
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will hold a special meeting at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8 in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building, 200 N.E. 21st St. in Oklahoma City. Items to be addressed at the meeting include: The commission is expected to vote on awarding the largest single construction contract in the history of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for major work to reconstruct two I-35 interchanges in Norman.
14-050 December 3 Roberts named ODOT's Division One Employee of the Quarter
Harold Roberts was recently named Employee of the Quarter for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's Division One, which encompasses eight counties in eastern Oklahoma.
14-049 November 10 ODOT preparing early for winter weather; drivers reminded to plan ahead
Getting a head start prior to any major threat of winter weather, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is making early preparations at its maintenance facilities for winter storms. Responsible for nearly 30,000 lane miles of highways in the state, ODOT is making sure all of its 122 salt sheds are fully stocked, 550 trucks tuned up and more than 1,000 maintenance employees are ready statewide to tackle whatever form of winter weather hits the state in the upcoming months.
14-048 November 5 November Commission Wrap-Up: Major metro area interstate and highway projects approved, $111 million in contracts awarded
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, Nov. 3 meeting include an update on the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's system for displaying traffic information on highway message boards in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, award of contracts for major metro area interstate and highway projects and approval of the updated Statewide Transportation Improvement Program and the County Improvements for Roads and Bridges work plan.
14-045 November 4 ODOT asking public for ideas on the future of transportation
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is asking the public to take an active role in planning state transportation policies and improvements for the next 25 years. As part of ongoing development of the state's 2015-2040 Long Range Transportation Plan ODOT has scheduled three open house public meetings in eastern, central and western Oklahoma in November.
14-047 November 3 ODOT asking public for transportation project suggestions
What road projects do you want to see in the next four years? The Oklahoma Department of Transportation wants to hear from you. ODOT is seeking public comment on the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program for federal fiscal years 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
October 31 November Transportation Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, Nov. 3
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will hold its regular monthly meeting at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 3 in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building, 200 N.E. 21st St. in Oklahoma City. Items to be addressed at the meeting include: Oklahoma Department of Transportation Executive Director Mike Patterson will provide an update on the status of the agency's plan to display real-time traffic information on highway message boards in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
14-044 October 27 ODOT reminds candidates that signs don't belong on highways or bridges
As Election Day draws near, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation reminds candidates to obey state law by not placing campaign signs illegally along highways or on bridges. Campaign signs placed in state rights-of-way are a distraction and safety hazard to drivers. In addition, campaign volunteers put themselves in harm's way by standing near highways or on bridges to place or display signs.
14-043 October 27 Two US-69 intersections targeted for improvements in McAlester
Due to changing traffic demands in McAlester, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is taking proactive steps to alleviate congestion issues at two growing interchanges along US-69.
14-042 October 17 Environmental Assessment for Oklahoma City Boulevard Available for Review, Alternative Chosen and Public Hearing Scheduled
The next step in finalizing plans for the Oklahoma City Boulevard begins Friday as the Oklahoma Department of Transportation completed and made available the project's environmental assessment which includes its preferred alternative. The document is available for public review and official comment on ODOT's website at www.odot.org and also in printed form for review at three locations in Oklahoma City
October 17 Citizens invited to give input at public meeting on planned SH-9 widening in Norman
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is hosting a public meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at the Little Axe Community Center in Norman to present information and receive public input to on the proposed project to improve SH-9 in Norman from 72nd Ave. S.E. east to 108th Ave. S.E.
14-040 October 16 U.S. Secretary of Transportation Foxx and U.S. Senator Inhofe visit Tulsa to discuss improvements, progress of Oklahoma transportation
The nation's top transportation official makes a stop in Tulsa to see firsthand Oklahoma's progress in improving transportation corridors. United States Senator James Inhofe hosted a visit by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx Thursday, and joined state transportation officials to discuss the state's long-term transportation development and remaining infrastructure needs.
14-041 October 16 Smarter highways to help metro area drivers choose their route
Testing will begin today on a new tool to help metro area drivers avoid long lines of standstill traffic, work zones and accidents: smarter highways. Thanks to technology upgrades by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to its Oklahoma Pathfinder system, drivers will soon see real-time information on traffic conditions displayed on overhead message boards along busy metro area highways and interstates. The Pathfinder interactive map, message board locations and traffic camera displays can be viewed by the public at www.oktraffic.org. Drivers are reminded not to use their phones to access the website while driving.
14-039 October 8 October Commission Wrap-Up: Historic transportation commission meeting yields updates on major bridge projects; $66 million in contracts awarded
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, Oct. 6 meeting include an update on the design of the Purcell/Lexington bridge, a review of an experimental bridge construction method used to replace a SH-51 bridge in Creek County, details on a $4 million public transit grant recently awarded to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and recognition of the 40th anniversary of the ODOT headquarters building. The commission approved major contracts for highway and bridge reconstruction on US-277 in Comanche County, cable barrier installation in on SH-152 (Airport Rd.) in Oklahoma City and highway reconstruction on US-64 in Alfalfa County.
14-038 October 6 Seasoned ODOT employee takes on new challenge
Long time Oklahoma Department of Transportation employee George Raymond has been named the Assistant Director of Operations. He will be instrumental in overseeing construction projects all over the state.
October 2 October Transportation Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, Oct. 6
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will hold its regular monthly meeting at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 6 in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building, 200 N.E. 21st St. in Oklahoma City. Topics include an update on the Purcell/Lexington bridge, details on a $4 million Transit grant, the 40th anniversary of the dedication of ODOT headquarters and possible approval of many projects statewide.
14-029 September 17 Reservations Available Now for the Heartland Flyer OU/TX Train
Book your Big Game Train tickets today for the Red River Shootout weekend.
14-037 September 15 Celebration signals I-244/Arkansas River bridge project nearing completion
A red ribbon gives the green light for traffic to start returning to normal across the Arkansas River in Tulsa. Both the east and westbound I-244 bridges have been replaced, and on Monday, Sept. 15, crews began removing the first of the detour routes in this corridor and allowing traffic to drive onto the new eastbound bridge for the first time.
14-036 September 10 September Commission Wrap-up: Updated Eight-year Plan continues progress on highway bridges; $33 million in contracts awarded
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, Sept. 8 meeting includes approval of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's new Eight-year Construction Work Plan, presentation of the updated Four-year Asset Preservation Plan, information on a recently-announced rail crossing safety initiative and commission approval of contracts for bridge improvements on US-177 in Carter County and I-35 in Garvin County.
14-035 September 8 Coming to a highway near you: ODOT's new eight-year plan approved; includes nearly 2,000 critically important transportation projects
A decade ago, Oklahoma ranked among the worst states in the nation for bad bridges, with no solution in sight. Thanks to renewed support and record investment in transportation by state leaders and the public, those conditions are changing for the better as the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is more focused than ever before on modernizing the state's system of highways and bridges.
September 4 September Transportation Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, Sept. 8
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will hold its regular monthly meeting at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 8 in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building, 200 N.E. 21st St. in Oklahoma City. Items to be addressed at the meeting include: As the Oklahoma Department of Transportation continues toward its goal of addressing all remaining structurally deficient highway bridges, transportation commissioners will be asked to vote on approval of ODOT's new Federal Fiscal Year 2015-2022 Eight-year Construction Work Plan, which includes expedited replacement of the Purcell/Lexington bridge that was closed earlier this year for emergency repairs.
14-034 August 26 Improvements to rail crossings planned as ODOT and Gov. Fallin announce $100 million initiative
For too many drivers in Oklahoma, a faded railroad crossing sign is their only warning that a 250 ton locomotive is about to cross their path. Tuesday, Gov. Mary Fallin and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation announced a new initiative to fast-track hundreds of projects to improve more than 300 rail crossings statewide and upgrade safety warning features on rail crossings across Oklahoma. Many of these crossings have only rail crossing signs or faint pavement markings and no flashing lights or cross arms to serve as additional warning for motorists of oncoming trains.
14-033 August 19 Wallis named ODOT's Division One Employee of the Quarter
Sam Wallis, a 24 year veteran of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, was recently named Employee of the Quarter for the agency's eight-county Division One. Wallis is a Transportation Superintendent II at the division headquarters in Muskogee and oversees highway maintenance in Muskogee County. He was nominated for the award anonymously by a fellow co-worker.
14-032 August 7 August Commission Wrap-up: Short-term federal funding extension will keep state transportation projects moving forward; $68 million in contracts awarded
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, August 4 meeting include an update on the process of finalizing the sale of the Sooner Sub rail line, news on recent action by Congress to address federal transportation funding, a report on the successful emergency repairs to US-271 near Clayton and approval of contracts for bridge rehabilitation on SH-266 and SH-167 in Rogers County, bridge reconstruction and resurfacing on SH-33 in Payne County and improvements to SH-11 in Grant County.
August 4 Sooner Sub sale finalized-PHOTO
August 1 August Transportation Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, August 4
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will hold its regular monthly meeting at 11 a.m. Monday, August 4 in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building, 200 N.E. 21st St. in Oklahoma City. Items to be addressed at the meeting include: Oklahoma Department of Transportation Executive Director Mike Patterson will provide commissioners with an update on the process of finalizing the sale of the Sooner Sub rail line and news on federal transportation funding. Commissioners will also receive an update on emergency repairs made to US-271 near Clayton in Pushmataha County following a landslide in June.
14-031 July 29 ODOT to Co-host Small Business Conference on August 12
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation's Civil Rights Division is hosting a free 'Getting to know ODOT' conference in partnership with the Small Business Administration's 'Doing Business with the Government' conference August 12, 2014.
14-028 July 10 July Commission Wrap-up: Public transit providers recognized for their efforts during Purcell/Lexington bridge closure; $71 million in contracts awarded
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, July 7 meeting include recognition of public transit operators who assisted with the shuttle service between Purcell and Lexington during the bridge closure, an update on the federal government's Highway Trust Fund, details on emergency projects to repair a county bridge over I-35 in Love County and US-271 in Pushmataha County and approval of a contract to resurface more than seven miles of US-69 in Atoka County and a local government contract for resurfacing a city street in Midwest City.
14-027 July 8 Emerson named ODOT's Division One Employee of the Quarter
Johnny Emerson was recently named Employee of the Quarter for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's Division One, which is headquartered in Muskogee. Emerson has been with the agency for more than a year and is a Fleet Specialist III at Sallisaw Interstate Maintenance. He was nominated for the award anonymously by one of his coworkers.
July 3 July Transportation Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, July 3
***Reminder: ODOT offices are closed Friday, July 4, for Independence Day. The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will hold its regular monthly meeting at 11 a.m. Monday, July 7 in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building, 200 N.E. 21st St. in Oklahoma City. Items to be addressed at the meeting include: During his report to the commission, Oklahoma Department of Transportation Executive Director Mike Patterson will recognize the five public transit operators who assisted with the shuttle service between Purcell and Lexington during the James C. Nance bridge closure on US-77/SH-39.
14-026 June 13 Two cities now one community again as Purcell/Lexington bridge reopens
Friday the 13th can actually be good luck, just ask the residents of Purcell and Lexington. They are breathing a sigh of relief with today's official reopening of the James C. Nance bridge, which reconnects this close-knit community. The US-77/SH-39 bridge had been closed to all traffic since Jan. 31 for emergency repairs by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.
14-026 June 13 Purcell/Lexington bridge photos
June 11 The Heart of Oklahoma Chamber hosts Purcell/Lexington bridge opening ceremony Friday, June 13
The much anticipated opening of the US-77/SH-39 James C. Nance bridge between Purcell and Lexington is finally coming to fruition at a ceremony planned for Friday, June 13. This event is open to the public. Hosted by The Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce, the ceremony will include comments from Gov. Mary Fallin, Purcell Mayor David Lee, Lexington City Manager Charlie McCown, State Rep. Lisa Billy, State Rep. Bobby Cleveland and Oklahoma Department of Transportation Executive Director Mike Patterson. Also expected to attend are state and local leaders
June 5 WEEKLY UPDATE Transit ridership reaches landmark, repair plate installation in progress
Ridership on the shuttle hit another milestone this week. Since Feb. 7, there have been more than 10,000 riders on the shuttles between Lexington and Purcell. The total averages to about 88 riders per day.
14-025 June 4 June Commission Wrap-up: ODOT in the home stretch on reopening Purcell/Lexington bridge; $51 million in contracts awarded
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, June 2 meeting include an update on the final stage of Purcell/Lexington bridge repairs, a briefing on state transportation funding, approval of several engineering design contracts for structurally deficient bridges and awarding of contracts for interstate work in eastern Oklahoma and bridge and highway projects in Oklahoma City and Kingfisher.
May 30 June Transportation Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, June 2
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will hold its regular monthly meeting at 11 a.m. Monday, June 2 in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building, 200 N.E. 21st St. in Oklahoma City. Items to be addressed at the meeting include: Following last week's early adjournment of the state legislature, Oklahoma Department of Transportation Executive Director Mike Patterson will report on state transportation funding and will address progress on the Purcell/Lexington bridge that is anticipated to open to traffic in mid-June.
14-023 May 29 Public invited to help shape future of transportation for the next 25 years
What should transportation look like in 25 years? The public will have opportunities to be heard this summer by giving input to help the Oklahoma Department of Transportation prepare the state's Long Range Transportation Plan for 2015-2040. Public meetings will be held in three areas of the state in June, providing members of the public with information, access to ODOT staff and opportunities to give comments and suggestions for the state's Long Range Transportation Plan.
May 28 WEEKLY UPDATE ODOT preparing for final repairs as June approaches
With the anticipated deadline for reopening the James C. Nance bridge between Purcell and Lexington a little more than two weeks away, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's contractor is preparing for the final repairs. Despite last week's heavy rainfall, the river level has held steady and not affected the work.
14-024 May 22 ODOT Extends Comment Period for Oklahoma City Boulevard
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is extending the public comment period for the Oklahoma City Boulevard until June 13. The decision to continue to accept comments longer than the standard 14-day period was made after careful consideration of the public comments and questions received to date and because ODOT is working on additional information to be placed on the project website.
May 22 WEEKLY UPDATE Contractor Making Progress on Repairs
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is making progress on the James C. Nance bridge and plans to have it open by the fast approaching June 14 deadline.
May 15 WEEKLY UPDATE Repairs remain ongoing
Repairs continue to progress on cracks found near the gusset plates on lower cords of the US-77/SH-39 bridge between Purcell and Lexington. All repairs are still expected to be finished within the original deadline of June 14.
14-022 May 15 ODOT Engineer Shell is a Hall of Famer
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is pleased that their Chief Engineer, Casey Shell, is a hall of famer. Shell was recently inducted into the Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineering for his contributions in furthering the civil engineering profession.
May 8 WEEKLY UPDATE Understanding the New Repairs
Progress for the new repairs is accelerating on the US-77/SH-39 bridge between Purcell and Lexington as the contractor has gained momentum in the first steps of most recent repairs. Like the initial repairs, it took the contractor a little time to get used to the work needed to be done before rapid progress was made..
14-021 May 7 May Commission Wrap-up: Commission reaches decision on Sooner Sub rail line; $41 million in contracts awarded
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, May 5 meeting include a vote on the sale of the Sooner Subdivision rail line, an update on the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's ongoing effort to repair the Purcell/Lexington Bridge, a report on transportation funding proposals before U.S. Congress and approval of contracts for major bridge work on US-60 near Ponca City and city street reconstruction in Elk City.
14-019 May 5 Vote returns Sooner Sub rail line to private ownership
A decision to return nearly 100 miles of state-owned rail line between Sapulpa and Midwest City to private ownership brings about many benefits to freight and passenger rail, according to a report presented at the May 5 Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting.
14-020 May 5 Duvall named ODOT's Division One Employee of the Year for 2013
Sam Duvall was recently recognized as the 2013 Employee of the Year for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's Division One. He was previously named the division's Employee of the Quarter in 2013. Duvall, a nine-year ODOT employee, is a Transportation Superintendent II at Checotah Interstate Maintenance.
May 2 May Transportation Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, May 5
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will hold its regular monthly meeting at 11 a.m. Monday, May 5 in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building, 200 N.E. 21st St. in Oklahoma City. Items to be addressed at the meeting include: Oklahoma Department of Transportation Executive Director Mike Patterson will report to commissioners on the recently-announced additional repairs to the Purcell/Lexington bridge and state funding issues. Commissioners are expected to vote on recommendations from the Secretaries of Commerce, Transportation, Agriculture, Energy and Environment and Finance regarding sale or no-sale of the Sooner Sub rail line. The nearly 98-mile segment of state-owned rail line runs from east of Oklahoma City to Sapulpa.
April 30 WEEKLY UPDATE Repairs remain ongoing
Cracks found two weeks ago near the gusset plates on lower cords of the US-77/SH-39 bridge between Purcell and Lexington are adding to repair work required before opening the bridge to traffic. Even with the additional work, all repairs are expected to be finished within the original deadline of June 14.
April 29 Public urged to attend next meeting on future Oklahoma City Boulevard
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation, joined by the City of Oklahoma City, will host a public meeting about the OKC Boulevard on Wednesday, May 7. The meeting will be hosted in an open house format, where attendees will be able to review findings from the environmental assessments and design, and give input for selecting the preferred alternative among the four being considered for the local access component of the I-40 Crosstown.
April 21 Public meeting set for SH-29 improvement plans
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is hosting a public meeting to discuss future improvements plans for SH-29 east of Marlow in Stephens Co.
14-018 April 22 Additional repairs required for Purcell/Lexington bridge before reopening
Inspectors have located additional cracks on the US-77/SH-39 bridge between Purcell and Lexington in areas where cracks were not anticipated. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation continues to remain confident that the bridge will open on or before the June 14 deadline.
April 22 ODOT press conference on Purcell/Lexington Bridge developments today
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. today to discuss new developments on the US-77/SH-39 bridge between Purcell and Lexington.
14-017 April 17 14-017I-44 Riverside Dr. to Yale Ave. corridor improvements near final completion in Tulsa
One of the most ambitious interstate reconstruction projects in Oklahoma's history is winding down, and drivers in Tulsa will soon see the I-44 Riverside Dr. to Yale Ave. corridor free of orange cones and detours for the first time since 2009.
April 16 WEEKLY UPDATE Repair progress by the numbers
Due to cooperation from the weather and consistent delivery of the repair brackets, repairs on the US-77/SH-39 bridge between Purcell and Lexington are growing nearer to completion.
14-017 April 16 Be th Change: Students Call for Action about Litter
Artistic students from across the state are raising environmental awareness through their artwork as part of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's 23rd Annual Trash Poster Contest.
April 9 WEEKLY UPDATE Crews race against April showers, transit ridership remains steady
Due to careful planning, crews anticipate being finished with repairs on center portions located above the river on the US-77/SH-39 bridge between Purcell and Lexington. This is a critical milestone to achieve and relieves worries that heavy spring rains would cause the river to rise and delay work on those portions of the bridge.
14-016 April 9 April Commission Wrap-up: State funding proposals could impact eight-year transportation plan; $51.5 million in contracts awarded
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, April 7 meeting include recognition of Work Zone Awareness Week, an update on the potential impacts of state funding proposals to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's Eight-year Construction Work Plan and approval of contracts for highway reconstruction in Major County, resurfacing in Noble County and federal-aid city street projects in the Oklahoma City metro area.
14-015 April 7 ODOT divisions, crews awarded for safety in the workplace
At Monday's monthly meeting of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission, ODOT Director Mike Patterson handed out awards to ODOT crews who demonstrated a continued commitment to safety and have shown great improvement in safety practices this past year.
14-014 April 4 Oklahoma City Glows Orange as ODOT Reminds Motorists to be Attentive and Follow Speed Limits in Work Zones
The SkyDance Bridge near Downtown Oklahoma City will glow orange Monday as part of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's commemoration of National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 7-11. The event is a nationwide cooperative effort created to educate drivers about work zone safety and to remember those who dedicate their lives to roadwork.
April 4 April Transportation Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, April 7
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will hold its regular monthly meeting at 11 a.m. Monday, April 7 in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building, 200 N.E. 21st St. in Oklahoma City. Items to be addressed at the meeting include: To bring attention to hazards highway workers face every day, OSU and OU fans, and even the Oklahoma City skyline will wear orange and Oklahoma Department of Transportation Executive Director Mike Patterson will present a proclamation from Governor Mary Fallin declaring April 7-11 "Work Zone Awareness Week" in Oklahoma.
April 2 WEEKLY UPDATE Progress continues, public’s suggestions addressed
Work on the US-77/SH-39 bridge between Purcell and Lexington is continuing to progress at a good pace thanks to the cooperation of the weather and the consistent delivery of repair brackets. The department continues to remain confident that the bridge will be opened on or before the 120-day deadline of June 14.
March 26 WEEKLY UPDATE Progress report by the numbers
Repairs to the US-77/SH-39 bridge between Purcell and Lexington are moving along steadily. As long as the weather continues to cooperate and the repair brackets continue to be delivered consistently, the steady pace will continue through the end of the project.
March 19 WEEKLY UPDATE Remember ODOT website, shuttle schedule extends tentatively, repair work continues
With repairs on the bridge in full swing, please check the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's website daily for updates on information and shuttle schedules. The website is located at www.okladot.state.ok.us. Click on the red "Closing of the Purcell/Lexington (James C. Nance) bridge on US-77/SH-39" banner.
14-013 March 18 Schedule an ODOT Speaker for Your Civic Group
Speakers bureau representatives from ODOT's top management team have prepared a program to provide community organization with a comprehensive update on the state's transportation system.
March 13 UPDATE - Shuttle extends schedule, bridge remains closed until all repairs can be made
Beginning Monday, March 17, the free shuttle will be adding two new times to its weekday schedule. There will be 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. departure times added to both locations with arrival times at 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., respectively.
14-012 March 13 Field named ODOT's Division One Employee of the Quarter
Mike Field was recently named Employee of the Quarter for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's eight-county Division One. Field, who joined the agency one year ago, is a Construction/Maintenance Technician II at the division headquarters in Muskogee. He was nominated for the award anonymously by one of his coworkers.
14-011 March 12 Commissioners hear report on Purcell/Lexington bridge repairs; $82 million in contracts awarded
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, March 10 meeting include a report on ongoing emergency repair work at the Purcell/Lexington bridge, introduction of the leader of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's newly-organized Facilities Management Division and approval of contracts for a major I-40 interchange project in Weatherford, highway widening in Norman and replacement of structurally deficient bridges in Grant and McIntosh counties.
14-010 March 10 Purcell/Lexington Bridge Closed Indefinitely
Residents of Purcell and Lexington, still reeling from the closure of the US-77/SH-39 bridge connecting the two cities of Purcell and Lexington, will have to wait until all repairs are made to the bridge before it can be opened to any vehicle traffic. "We understand this news is frustrating for the people of these communities and we regret that it happened, but the safety of the driving public is something we will not compromise," Oklahoma Department of Transportation Executive Director Mike Patterson said.
March 7 March Transportation Commission meeting rescheduled for Monday, March 10 ***Note changes to first information bullet point***
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will hold a special meeting at 11 a.m. Monday, March 10 in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building, 200 N.E. 21st St. in Oklahoma City. The regularly-scheduled meeting was postponed due to inclement weather. Items to be addressed at the meeting include: Oklahoma Department of Transportation officials will provide a detailed report to commissioners about the ongoing emergency repair work at the Purcell/Lexington Bridge on US-77/SH-39. The new information will highlight the constantly changing conditions and the discovery of additional cracks and the impact of these new factors on the timeline of the reopening of the bridge.
March 5 UPDATE - Progress continues despite setbacks on Purcell/Lexington bridge
Crews are moving rapidly and making significant progress in their first couple of weeks installing brackets on troubled areas of the US-77/SH-39 bridge between Purcell and Lexington after the initial startup and manufacturing period. The brackets will connect either end of cracked areas and hold them together. There are more than 70 workers on the ground using more than 30 pieces of equipment and lifts to make repairs.
February 28 Facts regarding the cause of cracks on the Purcell/Lexington Bridge
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has put together bullet points and a timeline to clarify facts about the bridge closure and when they were made public.
14-009 February 26 Johnson named leader of ODOT Facilities Management Division
Rick Johnson was chosen to lead the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's newly-organized Facilities Management Division in mid-February. The division now oversees the design, construction and maintenance of the transportation agency's building assets in all 77 counties, including maintenance facilities, construction residencies, field division offices and several new port of entry weigh and inspection stations.
February 14 ODOT Rail Statement
Cabinet Secretaries produce rail short list for further negotiations in potential sale of the Sooner Sub rail line.
14-008 February 14 Contract awarded for emergency Purcell/Lexington bridge repairs; work to begin immediately
The clock starts ticking 5 p.m. Friday on a project to reopen the bridge between Purcell and Lexington. Members of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission met on Friday, Feb. 14 to award an emergency contract with strict deadlines to perform repairs on the US-77/SH-39 bridge that has been closed since Jan. 31 for safety reasons due to several cracks found in structural bridge beams. The project had a base estimate of $5.5 million for the repair work plus the potential for several million dollars more in financial incentives paid for early completion. The contract was awarded to Manhattan Road & Bridge Co. of Tulsa, with a base bid of $10.8 million.
February 13 ODOT public input meeting on planned I-40 widening in eastern Oklahoma County rescheduled for March 4
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is hosting a public meeting on Tuesday, March 4 at the Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center in Choctaw to present initial project information and receive public input on a proposed project to improve I-40 in Oklahoma County from near Choctaw Road east six miles to the Pottawatomie County line. The meeting was originally scheduled for early February, but was postponed due to winter weather concerns.
February 12 Emergency Transportation Commission meeting to expedite Purcell/Lexington bridge repairs scheduled for Friday, Feb. 14
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will hold an emergency meeting at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14 in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building, 200 N.E. 21st St. in Oklahoma City. Commissioners will be asked to vote on approval of a contract to perform emergency repairs to the Purcell/Lexington (James C. Nance) Bridge on US-77/SH-39 that was closed on Jan. 31 for safety reasons due to cracks found in structural bridge beams. The repair project has an estimated cost of about $5 million, with the potential for several million dollars more in financial incentives paid for early completion. Incentives/disincentives are up to $2,500 per hour, one of the most aggressive in ODOT history.
February 6 ODOT public meeting in Choctaw cancelled due to weather
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has cancelled tonight's (Thursday) public input meeting in Choctaw on proposed I-40 projects in eastern Oklahoma County due to winter weather. This meeting will be rescheduled for early spring to ensure that all interested individuals will be able to participate.
14-007 February 5 February Commission Meeting Wrap-up Commission receives updates on state-owned rail, bridge closure; $103 million in contracts awarded
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, Feb. 3 meeting include a report on state-owned railroad, an update on the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's emergency closure of the bridge between Purcell and Lexington, introduction of the agency's new head roadway design engineer and approval of contracts for several major bridge and highway resurfacing projects.
14-006 February 3 Next Steps Outlined in Sooner Sub sale process; facts about rail line
The period to submit bids for the sale of the Sooner Sub rail line between Del City and Sapulpa ended Jan. 30. An evaluation committee will review the bids and make a recommendation to the Oklahoma Transportation Commission.
14-005 January 31 US-77SH-39 Purcell-Lexington Bridge closed until further notice
Oklahoma Department of Transportation engineers have closed the US-77/SH-39 bridge over the South Canadian River between Purcell and Lexington due to safety reasons based upon cracking found during inspections. The bridge was originally load posted on January 20.
January 31 February Transportation Commission Meeting Notice
Monday's Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting will be at 10 a.m., an hour earlier than usual, because of the governor's State of the State address. The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will hold its monthly meeting at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 3 in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building, 200 N.E. 21st St. in Oklahoma City. Items to be addressed at the meeting include: In a report to the commission, Oklahoma Department of Transportation Executive Director Mike Patterson will provide an update on Oklahoma's system of state-owned railroad.
January 28 TxDOT seeks input from Oklahoma residents on Texas-Oklahoma Rail Study
The Texas-Oklahoma Passenger Rail Study project team has reviewed possible rail routes and types of service and has recommended a few alternatives for further study. Citizens are encouraged to attend a public meeting to review the recommendations and let TxDOT know if these are the right routes to study in more detail. Comments on the draft recommendations are due by February 28, 2014.
January 23 Citizens invited to give input at public meeting on planned I-40 widening in eastern Oklahoma County
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is hosting a public meeting on Thursday, Feb. 6 at the Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center in Choctaw to present initial project information and receive public input on a proposed project to improve I-40 in Oklahoma County from near Choctaw Road east six miles to the Pottawatomie County line.
14-004 January 23 Austin named ODOT Roadway Design Division Engineer
Caleb Austin was named Division Engineer of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's Roadway Design Division in January 2014. He was previously the Roadway Design Engineering Manager for Division Eight, which encompasses 11 counties in northeastern Oklahoma. In his new role, Austin will oversee the development of plans for ODOT highway projects, ensuring that design standards and safety requirements for roadways are met.
14-003 January 17 Three Historic Bridges Available for Adoption in Oklahoma
Start off the New Year with an old bridge! Three historic bridges are now available for adoption in Oklahoma, including a structure at the Texas state line and two bridges in northeast Oklahoma.
14-002 January 16 New Year, New Ramp. BWX/I-44 Ramp Project Completes Saturday, Months Ahead of Schedule
Motorists are starting early 2014 with a much improved ramp at one of the busiest interchanges in the state. The new eastbound I-44 ramp to southbound
I-235 is scheduled to open Saturday, nearly three months ahead of schedule.
14-001 January 6 January Commission Meeting Wrap-up: Short-term fix by Congress preserves federal transportation funding; Oklahoma highway project receives national honors
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, Jan. 6 meeting include an update on recent congressional actions to provide continued federal transportation funding, recognition of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for its work on an award-winning pavement rehabilitation project on I-40 in Seminole County and approval of several traffic safety projects.
January 3 January Commission Meeting Notice
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will hold its monthly meeting at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 6 in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building, 200 N.E. 21st St. in Oklahoma City. Items to be addressed at the meeting include: During his report to the commission, Oklahoma Department of Transportation Executive Director Mike Patterson will provide ODOT's reaction to how congress addressed federal transportation bill funding issues. The American Concrete Pavement Association will recognize ODOT for its work on the award-winning Oklahoma highway project to rehabilitate the pavement on a six-mile stretch of I-40 in Seminole County. The Traffic Engineering Division will announce more than $5.6 million in safety improvements including cable barrier, signage, striping and rumble strips in various counties around Oklahoma.
