HOMENews and MediaPress Releases2011
Contact ODOT

11-075 December 21 ODOT Launches Small Business Training Program
Is your small business or a small business you know looking to break into the highway construction industry? The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is launching a Small Enterprise Training Program to facilitate increased participation in construction contracting opportunities by Oklahoma's small businesses.

11-070 December 20 Gift of a century to be opened at I-40 Crosstown ribbon cutting
Come celebrate the gift of a century with the grand opening of the new I-40 Crosstown, hosted by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, the City of Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. The ribbon cutting will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 5, on the new eastbound lanes near the Western Ave. bridge.

11-074 December 14 Oklahoma's bridges get a little wider
Oklahoma's narrowest state-owned highway bridge just got two feet wider. The bridge didn't grow, but with its recent replacement, other bridges will now take the distinction.

PR-11-072 December 6 A Christmas tradition continues with Santa Claus and the Heartland Flyer this Saturday
On Saturday, Dec. 10, Santa will continue his yearly tradition of boarding the Heartland Flyer in Oklahoma City and leading the holiday fun throughout the trip to Ft. Worth, Texas.

11-071 December 7 December Commission Wrap-Up: National awards celebrated; $58 million in contracts approved
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, Dec. 5, meeting include celebrating three national awards won by the department, wrapping up centennial activities, a discussion on the status of federal transportation legislation, an update of progress on the I-40 Crosstown in Oklahoma City and approval of construction projects totaling nearly $58 million. Commissioners also paid respect an ODOT employee killed in a recent work zone accident.

PR-069 November 10 Lincoln Blvd Changes Result in New Access for Boathouse District
Oklahoma Department of Transportation officials are pleased to announce that access to the Boathouse District will soon be on its permanent route on Lincoln Blvd. Engineers are delighted to be able to open the permanent segment to the boathouse facilities before holiday activities.

11-068 November 9 Officials applaud progress on transportation bill
Oklahoma Department of Transportation officials on Wednesday praised U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, in gaining approval of bipartisan legislation to fund and streamline transportation programs over the next two years.

PR-11-067 November 9 100 Years of Oklahoma's Transportation Celebrated in Duncan
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation opened its doors to the public in Duncan on Wednesday, Nov. 9, to celebrate 100 years of transportation in our state. Hundreds of current and former employees of Division 7 joined citizens and dignitaries for an open house and to tour displays of equipment and historic memorabilia.

11-066 November 9 November Commission Wrap-Up: Earthquake inspections discussed; $119 million in contracts approved
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, Nov. 7, meeting include discussion of bridge inspections following the recent central Oklahoma earthquakes, agreements for engineering contracts to design 61 bridges and approval of construction projects totaling more than $119 million.

PR-11-065 November 2 Public Invited to Celebrate 100 Years of Oklahomas Transportation on Nov. 9 in Duncan
This year, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is highlighting the work of the past 100 years and sharing our transportation history by hosting a series of open houses statewide. As a way to show appreciation for their support, the public is invited to join ODOT employees at the Division 7 centennial celebration in Duncan on Wednesday, Nov. 9.

PR-11-064 October 28 100 Years of Oklahoma's Transportation Celebrated in Ada
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation opened its doors to the public in Ada on Friday, Oct. 28, to celebrate 100 years of transportation in our state. Hundreds of current and former employees of Division 3 joined citizens and dignitaries for an open house and to tour displays of equipment and historic memorabilia.

PR-11-063 October 21 Public Invited to Celebrate 100 Years of Oklahoma's Transportation on Oct. 28 in Ada
This year, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is highlighting the work of the past 100 years and sharing our transportation history by hosting a series of open houses statewide. As a way to show appreciation for their support, the public is invited to join ODOT employees at the Division 3 centennial celebration in Ada on Friday, Oct. 28.

11-062 October 13 Edmond native to head ODOT planning, research efforts
John Bowman, of Edmond, has been named to head the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's Planning and Research Division, overseeing duties as varied as predicting traffic trends over the next 20 years, creating maps and cataloging cracks in highway pavement.

11-061 October 5 Thousands participate in International Walk to School Day in Oklahoma
Elementary and middle school students at more than 95 schools throughout Oklahoma joined schoolchildren from across the U.S. and in over 40 countries in celebrating International Walk to School Day Wednesday.

11-060 October 5 October Commission Wrap-up: Eight-year construction plan adopted; $98 million in contracts approved
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, Oct. 3, include approval of an eight-year construction plan, discussion of a proposal by Gov. Mary Fallin to aim at eliminating all currently known structurally deficient bridges on state highways, authorization of numerous safety projects, and approval of contracts totaling more than $98 million.

11-059 October 3 Commission okays first phase of historic blitz for better bridges
This fall, football isn't the only thing Oklahomans have to cheer about after Gov. Mary Fallin announced Monday, Oct. 3 an aggressive plan to address all currently known structurally deficient bridges on the state highway system.
Additional Bridge Plan Graphics

Gov. Fallin's press release on historic bridge improvement program

Gov. Fallin's "Oklahoma Now" column on the new transportation plan's benefits

11-058 September 29 Seats Added for Heartland Flyer's OU/TX Train
Amtrak gives football fans another chance – more time to purchase train tickets for the Heartland Flyer's Red River Rivalry weekend special because of added seats.

11-057 September 23 100 Years of Oklahoma's Transportation Celebrated in Tulsa
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation opened its doors to the public in Tulsa on Friday, Sept. 23, to celebrate 100 years of transportation in Oklahoma. Hundreds of current and former Division 8 employees joined citizens and dignitaries for an open house and to tour displays of equipment and memorabilia.

11-056 September 23 100 Years of Oklahoma's Transportation Celebrated in Antlers
ODOT opened its doors to the public in Antlers Thursday to celebrate 100 years of transportation in our state. Hundreds of current and former employees of Division 2 joined citizens and dignitaries for an open house and to tour displays of equipment and historic memorabilia.

11-053 September 19 Public Invited to Celebrate 100 Years of Oklahoma's Transportation on Sept. 23 in Tulsa
This year, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is highlighting the work of the past 100 years and sharing our transportation history by hosting a series of open houses statewide. As a way to show appreciation for their support, the public is invited to join ODOT employees at the Division 8 centennial celebration in Tulsa on Friday, Sept. 23.

11-055 September 16 US-287 Truck Relief Route Completed near Boise City
After several years of construction and multiple projects, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's reconstruction of the US-287 corridor through Cimarron County has reached a significant milestone as construction of the final project on the Boise City Truck Relief Route was completed earlier this month.

11-054 September 15 100 Years of Oklahoma's Transportation Celebrated in Buffalo
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation opened its doors to the public in Buffalo on Thursday, Sept. 15, to celebrate 100 years of transportation in our state. Hundreds of current and former employees of Division 6 joined local school children, citizens and dignitaries for an open house and to tour displays of equipment and historic memorabilia.

11-052 September 14 Public Invited to Celebrate 100 Years of Oklahoma's Transportation on Sept. 22 in Antlers
This year, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is highlighting the work of the past 100 years and sharing our transportation history by hosting a series of open houses statewide. As a way to show appreciation for their support, the public is invited to join ODOT employees at the Division 2 centennial celebration in Antlers on Thursday, Sept. 22.

11-048 September 14 September Commission Wrap-Up: Federal funding issues discussed; $47 million in contracts approved
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, Sept. 12, meeting include a discussion of federal funding issues, recognition for innovation of outdoor advertising inventories, an update on observances of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's centennial and approval of contracts totaling nearly $47 million.

11-051 September 9 Permits Available to Allow Baling Hay from ODOT Rights-of-way
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture is reminding local farmers and ranchers that through a simple permitting process, they are allowed to bale hay from highway rights-of-way. There are over 135,000 mowable acres along highway rights-of-way in the state.

11-050 September 8 Public Invited to Celebrate 100 Years of Oklahoma's Transportation on Sept. 15 in Buffalo
This year, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is highlighting the work of the past 100 years and sharing our transportation history by hosting a series of open houses statewide.

11-049 September 8 Transportation Centennial Coffee Table Books Now Available For Sale at ODOT Offices Statewide
As part of the continuing commemorations, sales of ODOT100: Celebrating the First 100 Years of Transportation in Oklahoma have expanded to ODOT field offices statewide.

11-047 September 2 Widening I-35 and building a bridge, a match made in Norman
The Rock Creek Road bridge and bike/hike trails officially opened to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians the evening of Tuesday, August 30. The bridge, which spans I-35 in Norman and now connects 36th Avenue N.W. on the west to 24th Avenue N.W. on the east, was a collaboration among the City of Norman, the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

11-045 August 26 Crosstown Drivers: Be Alert to New Lane and Ramp Changes for Monday Commute
Several changes related to the Crosstown bridge work are scheduled at the I-40/I-35/I-235 (Dallas interchange) starting Sunday night, and will greatly impact Monday morning rush hour.

11-044 August 17 Act Quick to Score a Seat on the Heartland Flyer OU/TX Train
Football fans looking for an exciting way to travel to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas for the Oct. 8 Red River Rivalry game between the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas, can find it aboard Amtrak's Heartland Flyer.

11-042 August 3 Crosstown moving along; $66 million in contracts approved
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, Aug. 1, meeting include a discussion of I-40 Crosstown construction in Oklahoma City, an update on federal Highway Trust Fund issues, an agreement for a low-cost fix to traffic congestion in Sulphur, authorization of numerous safety projects and approval of contracts totaling nearly $66 million.

11-043 August 1 Last Contract for Mainline I-40 Crosstown Alignment Gets Approval
Progress on the new I-40 Crosstown in downtown Oklahoma City reached a monumental milestone Monday when the Oklahoma Transporatation Commission awarded the last paving contract for mainline interstate construction.

11-041 July 13 100 Years of Oklahoma's Transportation Celebrated in Muskogee
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation opened the doors to the public in Muskogee on Wednesday, July 13, to celebrate 100 years of transportation in our state.

11-040 July 13 July Commission Wrap-Up: Budget concerns, county projects highlighted; $46 million in contracts approved
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, July 11, meeting include discussion of the possible impact of federal budget issues on transportation planning, approval of a list of county projects to be funded during the next five years and approval of contracts totaling more than $46 million.

PR-033 July 7 Public Invited to Celebrate 100 Years of Oklahoma's Transportation in Muskogee
This year, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is highlighting the work of the past 100 years, and showing appreciation for public support by hosting a series of open houses statewide. The public is invited to join ODOT employees for the Division 1 headquarters celebration and hot dog lunch in Muskogee on Wednesday, July 13.

11-028 June 22 ODOT accepting applications for community tree planting grants
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is accepting applications for Tree Grant Program money totaling $435,000. Qualified communities can receive from $1,875 to $25,000 with a 25 percent local match requirement.

11-038 June 17 Amtrak Heartland Flyer Celebrates its 12th Anniversary
Communities along the Oklahoma City-Fort Worth route of the state-supported Amtrak Heartland Flyer will celebrate the 12th anniversary of daily passenger rail service on Saturday, June 18, and Amtrak is offering a special anniversary fare promotion.

11-037 June 16 Hearing on I-35 widening set for Wednesday
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation will conduct a public hearing to seek comment on a proposal to widen I-35 from just north of Main St. to the Canadian River at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 2501 Conference Dr., Norman.

11-036 June 15 Current and former state leaders, time capsule, generational stories featured at Oklahoma transportation special observance
One hundred years to the date after the founding of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Gov. Mary Fallin and other state leaders commemorated the historic occasion and the impact transportation has had on Oklahoma's people and economy with a special tribute, a time capsule and press conference.

June 15 ODOT 100 Press Conference - Handouts
Various information and press kit from June 15th press conference

11-035 June 9 100 Years of Oklahoma's Transportation Celebrated in Perry
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation opened the doors to the public in Perry on Wednesday, June 8, to celebrate 100 years of transportation in our state. Hundreds of current and former employees of Division 4 joined local citizens and dignitaries for an open house and to tour displays of equipment and historic memorabilia.

11-034 June 7 100 Years of Oklahoma's Transportation Celebrated in Clinton
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation opened the doors to the public in Clinton on Thursday, June 2, to celebrate 100 years of transportation in our state. Hundreds of current and former employees of Division 5 joined local citizens and dignitaries for an open house and to tour displays of equipment and historic memorabilia.

11-032 June 2 Public Invited to Celebrate 100 Years of Oklahoma's Transportation in Perry
This year, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is highlighting the work of the past 100 years, and showing appreciation for public support by hosting a series of Open Houses statewide. The public is invited to join ODOT employees for the Division 4 headquarters celebration in Perry on Wednesday, June 8. The Open House includes a centennial plaque dedication and a hot dog lunch.

11-031 May 31 Public Invited to Celebrate 100 Years of Oklahoma's Transportation in Clinton
This year, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is highlighting the work of the past 100 years, and showing appreciation for public support by hosting a series of open houses statewide. The public is invited to join ODOT employees for the Division 5 headquarters celebration in Clinton on Thursday, June 2. The open house includes a centennial plaque dedication and a hot dog lunch.

11-030 June 4 ODOT centennial events highlighted; $2.7 million in contracts approved
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Wednesday, June 1, meeting include election of new Transportation Commission Officers, presentation of two industry awards, an update on activities commemorating the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's centennial, authorization of an initial budget for fiscal year 2012 and approval of contracts totaling $2.7 million.

11-029 May 4 ODOT centennial highlighted; more than $44 million in contracts approved
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, May 2, meeting include presentation of a proclamation commemorating the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's centennial, welcoming of new commission members, recognizing the Federal Highway Administrator and approval of contracts totaling more than $44 million.

11-027 May 2 ODOT partners with Science Museum Oklahoma to showcase the science of transportation
Transportation, engineering, science and fun will merge when the Oklahoma Department of Transportation joins forces with Science Museum Oklahoma to present a special Transportation Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 13, at the museum, 2100 N.E. 52nd St. in Oklahoma City.

11-026 April 26 Heartland Flyer features “wine train” to celebrate National Train Day
The Heartland Flyer will join the national festivities by promoting locally grown products during the ride to Oklahoma City. Tickets are selling fast, but can still be purchased by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.

11-025 April 21 There's Hope… Just Pick Up Your Trash: Students express concerns over litter through artwork
Children often have a special ability to get to the heart of the world's problems. They certainly identified several solutions to Oklahoma's litter problem through their entries in the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's 20th annual Trash Poster Contest.

11-024 April 15 Hearing on SH-9 widening project set for Thursday
ODOT will conduct a public hearing and take comments at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 21, on a proposal to widen SH-9 in Norman from two lanes to four lanes between 24th Ave. S.E. and 74th Ave. S.E. The hearing will be in the National Center for Employee Development conference center, rooms O and N, 2801 E. SH-9 in Norman.

11-023 April 15 Groundbreaking ceremony launches I-244/Arkansas River bridge replacement
State and local leaders launched the construction of Oklahoma's first double-decker bridge Friday. A ceremonial groundbreaking in Tulsa marks the start of a two-year long project to replace the westbound I-244 bridge over the Arkansas River.

11-022 April 6 April Commission Wrap-Up: Safety issues highlighted; more than $27 million in contracts approved
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, April 4 meeting include recognition of workplace safety and driver safety in work zones as well as approval of contracts totaling more than $27 million.

ODOT surveyor Larry Reser wins top state award.

11-021 April 4 Excellence in safety garners awards for ODOT divisions, crews
At the April 4 meeting of the Transportation Commission Oklahoma Department of Transportation Director Gary Ridley handed out awards to those who demonstrated a continued commitment to safety and have shown great improvement in safety practices this past year. In ODOT's 100 year history, which it is commemorating throughout 2011, 54 ODOT employees have been killed in the line of duty, more than any other state agency in Oklahoma.

11-020 April 1 Drivers and occupants most at risk in construction zone mishaps; National Work Zone Awareness Week kicked off
A century of dedication and hard work was recognized at gatherings in Tulsa and Oklahoma City Friday as the Oklahoma Department of Transportation not only marks 100 years of service to the traveling public, but also reminds motorists of the importance of added caution in construction zones.

11-019 April 1 ODOT partners with Keep Oklahoma Beautiful for statewide TRASH-OFF event
ODOT is partnering with Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, the state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, for the 2011 Great American Cleanup™, the nation's largest cleanup, beautification and community improvement program, set for April 16

11-018 March 16 Celebrating 100 years! ODOT centennial marked throughout Oklahoma
March 16, 1911, House Bill 318, which created the State Highway Department, was approved. The measure laid the groundwork for a network of highways few Oklahomans, at the time, could have imagined. Now, as the Oklahoma Department of Transportation celebrates its centennial, life without highways is nearly unimaginable.

11-018 March 16 Photos from ODOT centennial kickoff

11-016 March 9 March Commission Wrap-Up: Centennial activities highlighted; more than $152 million in contracts approved
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, March 7, meeting include a highlight of centennial activities at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, reports on federal funding issues, recognition of two employees by a national organization, the remembrance of a former transportation commissioner, approval of a contract to build a first-of-its-kind bridge in Oklahoma and approval of contracts totaling more than $152 million.

11-015 March 7 Celebrating 100 Years! ODOT Releases Official 2011-2012 State Map
The new, official 2011-2012 state map, commemorates 100 years of transportation history in the state.

11-014 March 7 Multi-modal I-244 bridge approved for construction in Tulsa
A multi-modal bridge spanning the Arkansas River on westbound I-244 in Tulsa has the green light to begin. The new structure will incorporate highway lanes on the top side, with two dedicated future rail lines and an area for bicycle and pedestrian traffic underneath.

11-012 February 23 Safe Routes to School Program Makes Millions in Grants Available
With over $3 million in funding available to Oklahoma communities, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's Safe Routes to School Program is announcing the start of its application period Wednesday.

11-009 February 11 I-40/Morgan Rd. interchange improvements begin Monday
Work will begin Monday on the much anticipated project to reconstruct the I-40 interchange at Morgan Road. near Yukon. The $34 million project, awarded in October to Allen Contracting Inc. of Oklahoma City, will completely reconstruct the interchange and remove the current clover-leaf design of the ramps

11-008 February 9 February Commission Wrap-Up: Storm recovery activities reviewed; nearly $92 million in contracts approved
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, Feb. 7, meeting include a review of work by Oklahoma Department of Transportation crews to clear highways following a major snow storm that began Jan. 31 and approval of contracts totaling nearly $92 million.

11-007 February 7 First Phase of I-235/I-44 Interchange Awarded
Efforts to reduce congestion and improve the I-235/I-44 interchange took a big step forward as a project to reconstruct the southbound I-235 ramp to westbound I-44 was awarded at the Transportation Commission meeting Monday.

11-005 January 31 Rail Open Houses Rescheduled in Oklahoma City and Lawton Due to Weather
Due to the winter weather forecast, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation has rescheduled the first two meetings in a series of open houses on rail long-range planning originally scheduled to get underway in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Feb. 1 and in Lawton on Thursday, Feb 3.

11-006 January 31 Stay home during storm, officials urge Oklahomans
Emergency services personnel stand together, Monday, in asking the public to stay home during harsh weather conditions which are expected overnight and Tuesday and in explaining storm preparations currently underway.

11-004 January 21 Deadline Draws Near for Statewide Trash Poster Contest
The deadline for entering this year's Trash Poster Contest to promote state cleanliness and pride is fast approaching.

11-003 January 13 Meetings Scheduled for Input on Oklahoma's Freight and Passenger Rail Plan
Get involved, input needed on development of a new Freight and Passenger Rail Plan

11-002 January 5 January Commission Wrap-Up: Transportation history, awards dominate Transportation Commission meeting
The year started in a great way for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation with many awards and the beginning of the agency's centennial celebration during the Monday, Jan. 3, meeting of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission. Commissioners also approved engineering contracts and a joint venture with the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority for the installation of changeable message boards in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas.

Additional photos from Jan. 3 commission meeting:

Transit Programs manager gets national recognition.

ODOT recognized for use of biodiesel.

ODOT, Edmond contractor get national award for Eastern Oklahoma paving project.

US-69 paving project gets national award.

ODOT, Edmond contractor get national paving award.

11-001 January 4 ODOT, Staff Receive Multiple Awards for Projects, Service
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation was recently recognized with awards for quality concrete projects, leadership in the usage of alternative fuels and contributions to nationwide public transit issues.


HOMENews and MediaPress Releases2011
BACK TO TOP