13-003 January 23 13-003 Official state map released, gives directions to "Treasures on the Road Less Traveled"
Thanks to the new official 2013-2014 state map, you can take a road trip to enjoy some of Oklahoma's hidden treasure destinations. "Treasures on the Road Less Traveled" is the theme this year and identifies some of the interesting venues in our state.
13-002 Jan. 9 January Commission Wrap-up: ODOT reports on snow and ice clearing efforts; changes to the downtown Oklahoma City boulevard addressed
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, Jan. 7 meeting include a report on the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's response to the holiday winter storms that affected travel in many parts of the state, an update on changes to plans to construct the downtown Oklahoma City boulevard, approval of a partnership with the City of Enid to improve access to a regional airport and recognition of ODOT and industry partners for their work on five award-winning Oklahoma transportation projects.
13-001 Jan. 8 ODOT Recipient of Prestigious National Pavement Awards and State Bridge Award
Five recent Oklahoma Department of Transportation projects received national and state recognition for project excellence. Four of the awards were Excellence in Concrete Pavement Awards presented to ODOT by the American Concrete Pavement Association and the fifth award was the 2012 Pharaoh Award, presented by the Association of Oklahoma General Contractors.
January 4 January Transportation Commission Meeting
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will hold its monthly meeting at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 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 Director Gary Ridley will ask Director of Operations Casey Shell to provide a report on ODOT's efforts to treat and clear highways following the snowstorm on Christmas Day that affected parts of the state.
12-050 December 31 New Year, new bridge, new look in Norman
Work will begin Monday, January 7 on a project that will change the look of the I-35 interchange at Main St. in Norman while improving safety and increasing capacity. The $35 million project, awarded in November to a joint venture between Allen Contracting and Manhattan Road and Bridge, will completely reconstruct the interchange and remove the current design of the ramps. The entire makeover is expected to be completed in less than two years.
12-049 December 5 December Commission Wrap-up: New accelerated bridge building techniques to be used for the first time in Oklahoma; $49 million in contracts approved
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, Dec. 3 meeting include the presentation of an award recognizing completion of the Perryman Ditch project in Tulsa which significantly improved drainage, awarding of a $3.4 million contract for a bridge replacement project on SH-51 in Creek County using special accelerated bridge construction techniques for the first time in Oklahoma and approval of a more than $10 million contract for the widening of Kickapoo St. in Shawnee.
November 30 December Transportation Commission Meeting
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will hold its monthly meeting at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 3, in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building, 200 N.E. 21st St. in Oklahoma City. Items to be addressed at the meeting include: The Oklahoma Floodplain Managers Association will recognize the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for the successful completion of the Perryman Ditch along I-44 in Tulsa. Construction of this more than one mile long structure greatly improved drainage for 1,264 Tulsa homes and businesses by redirecting storm water to the Arkansas River.
12-048 November 30 Heartland Flyer Fills with Holiday Cheer as Santa Hitches a Ride
Santa is giving his reindeer the day off and riding the Heartland Flyer on its daily trek from Oklahoma City to Ft. Worth, Texas. Jolly Ol St. Nicholas will greet children young and old traveling on the Heartland Flyer on Saturday, Dec. 15.
12-047 November 29 Major lane, ramp closures planned tonight; brings changes for I-40 Crosstown drive
Transportation officials warn drivers of upcoming changes and traffic improvements on the I-40 Crosstown
12-046 November 15 Last recycled bridge beams shipped to counties as old I-40 Crosstown bridge disappears from city skyline forever
After only six months of deconstruction work, the state's longest structurally deficient bridge is nothing more than a memory to Oklahoma drivers. The old I-40 Crosstown bridge, that was part of the downtown Oklahoma City skyline since 1966, has been completely dismantled, making way for the City of Oklahoma City's future boulevard and its connections to the new I-40 Crosstown that opened in January.
12-045 November 2 November Commission Wrap-up: More than $900 million going to county road and bridge projects over the next five years; $88 million in contracts approved
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, Nov. 5 meeting include the approval of a more than $900 million five-year plan for county road and bridge improvements, recognition of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s efforts to streamline and shorten the delivery of projects and the awarding of two major projects on I-35 in Norman.
12-043 October 16 Safety should be observed as campaigns heat up
As the weather cools down this fall, the various political campaigns are heating up. While most campaigns will have their share of differences, one thing all candidates need to agree on is campaigning safely by observing proper placement of campaign signs.
12-041 October 10 October Commission Wrap-Up: Thirty-year public-private partnership benefits state and rail industry; $79 million in contracts approved
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, Oct. 8 meeting include the completion of a historic agreement between the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Union Pacific Railroad Company to transfer a crucial rail corridor to Union Pacific after 30 years of state ownership and the approval of two $12 million projects in Sequoyah and Woodward counties.
12-042 October 10 Tickets Still Available for the Heartland Flyer OU/TX Train
Fans looking to avoid highway traffic on their trek to Dallas for the big game are reminded that tickets are still available for the popular Heartland Flyer Game Train this weekend for the annual Red River Rivalry football showdown between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Texas Longhorns. It is not too late to book your trip, but tickets are selling fast, so act now.
12-040 September 13 September Commission Wrap-Up: Oklahoma Transportation Commission approves $5.5 billion Eight-year Plan to address bad bridges
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, September 10 meeting include the approval of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's Federal Fiscal Year 2013-2020 Eight-year Construction Work Plan containing $5.5 billion in planned highway and bridge improvements, and the presentation of ODOT's 2012-2016 Asset Preservation Plan. The meeting also included the approval of 35 projects at a cost of nearly $45 million to improve roads and bridges throughout the state.
12-039 September 10 ODOT plans more than 2,000 transportation projects through 2020, vows to "finish the job" by addressing remaining bad bridges by end of decade
An ambitious journey that started in 2002 will reach a major destination as more than
$5.5 billion in highway and bridge improvements are now planned by the end of 2020, following approval of the Federal Fiscal Year 2013-2020 Eight-year Construction Work Plan.
12-038 August 15 Shields Blvd./EK Gaylord to temporarily close beginning Sunday
Shields Blvd. is the next city street to close as work progresses ahead of schedule on the deconstruction of the old I-40 Crosstown bridge in downtown Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is working closely on coordinating with the City of Oklahoma City to close necessary city streets for safety considerations. Shields Blvd./EK Gaylord will be closed between Reno and S.W. 4th St. from 6 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 19 through September for deck and beam removal.
12-036 August 8 August Commission Wrap-Up: State's bridge outlook continues to improve; $41 million in contracts approved
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, August 6 meeting include an update from Transportation Secretary/Oklahoma Department of Transportation Director Gary Ridley on recent federal bridge inspection data and a report on ODOT's ongoing efforts to reuse bridge beams from the deconstructed I-40 Crosstown on county bridge
projects statewide.
Public meeting set on OKC Boulevard for August 21
ODOT and the City of OKC will host a public meeting to formally present design concepts on the future Oklahoma City Boulevard. Citizens are urged to attend and formally submit comments.
12-034 July 25 Oklahoma makes new strides in reducing structurally deficient highway bridges
Oklahoma wants to be known as being near the top of the list of states with the best bridges, and now it is closer than ever to making that goal a reality. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has crossed more than 70 bridges off its total structurally deficient state highway bridge list in the past year.
12-035 July 20 Reservations now open for the Heartland Flyer OU/TX Train
For less than the cost of a tank of gas, football fans can enjoy a lively, spirit-filled trip on the Heartland Flyer's Big Game Train to Dallas for the showdown between the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns. Book early!
12-033 July 5 July Commission Wrap-Up: Lankford praises federal transportation reforms; $75 million in contracts approved
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, July 2 meeting include a report from U.S. Rep. James Lankford on the federal highway funding bill recently passed by Congress and approval of the final phase of the I-44 expansion project in Tulsa.
12-031 July 2 Final construction phase of I-44 Riverside-Yale widening in Tulsa approved
The much-anticipated fourth and final construction phase of the I-44 widening project between Riverside Dr. and Yale Ave. in Tulsa is a step closer to getting underway. On Monday, July 2, the Oklahoma Transportation Commission approved a $50 million bid by Manhattan Road and Bridge Co. and Allen Contracting, Inc. for the Lewis Ave. corridor.
12-030 June 22 ODOT, partners to hold small business training in Ada
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Supportive Services Division is looking for businesses that can become active participants in ODOT's federally funded construction projects. They are holding a workshop June 26 in Ada to better understand the needs of the DBE community and also to meet more disadvantaged or small businesses engaged in heavy highway construction.
12-029 June 15 Heartland Flyer celebrates 13th Anniversary, strong ridership
To celebrate 13 years of passenger rail, this Saturday at the Santa Fe Depot in Oklahoma City, volunteers will provide complimentary coffee, bottled water, donuts and souvenir badges to passengers departing at 8:25 a.m.
12-028 June 7 June Commission Wrap-Up: State legislators, transportation officials praise legislative accomplishments; $31.8 million in contracts approved
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, June 4 meeting include approval of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's budget and awarding of engineering contracts to complete designs for 46 structurally deficient bridges scheduled to be repaired or replaced as part of Gov. Fallin's bridge plan.
12-027 May 25 First of its Kind in Oklahoma, New I-40/Morgan Rd. Interchange Opens, Brings Big Changes Friday
Oklahoma transportation history reached yet another milestone today as the state's first single-point-urban-interchange opened to traffic at the I-40/Morgan Road interchange in west Oklahoma City. The $34 million project, which began in February 2011, completely reconstructed the interchange and removed the previous clover-leaf design of the ramps.
Webbers Falls remembrance event to be held Memorial Day, Monday, May 28
In observance of the 10th anniversary of the Webbers Falls tragedy, a remembrance event will be held Monday, May 28 at the memorial in Webbers Falls. Speakers will begin at 10 a.m. and free hot dogs will be served at noon.
12-026 May 23 Oklahoma the first state to engage TIGER III funding to upgrade rail, increase shipments of oil
Western Oklahoma's transportation infrastructure will receive a boost in keeping up with increased oil and gas exploration and production thanks to a federal grant for rail upgrades. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation was recently awarded a $6.75 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery III (TIGER III) grant toward a nearly $8.5 million project to rehabilitate 49 miles of state-owned railroad track between Clinton and Sayre in Beckham County.
12-025 May 9 May Commission Wrap-Up: Inspection station construction progresses; $41 million in contracts approved
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, May 7 meeting include an update on transportation funding proposals currently before the state legislature, information on a new weigh and inspection station that recently opened in Kay County and a report on emergency bridge repairs due to flooding in northeastern Oklahoma.
12-024 May 8 eTicketing Now Available to Amtrak Heartland Flyer Train Passengers
Amtrak has begun eTicketing on the Heartland Flyer, which operates daily in Oklahoma and Texas. Passengers can now make reservations and print their electronic tickets from home or the office.
12-023 April 30 Representatives, state officials praise Crosstown progress
Officials hosted U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster, who visited the old I-40 Crosstown in Oklahoma City on Monday, April 30. Shuster was joined by Gov. Mary Fallin, U.S. Rep. James Lankford, U.S. Rep. John Sullivan and Transportation Secretary/ODOT Director Gary Ridley to view progress on deconstruction efforts as crews begin to remove bridge beams that will be made available for use on hundreds of county bridge projects.
12-020 April 27 First of nine state-of-the-art truck weigh and inspection stations opens in Kay County
State officials gathered together for a ceremonial handing over of the keys to celebrate the opening of the new state-of-the-art weigh and inspection station in Kay County April 27.
12-021 April 23 Deconstruction begins on the old Crosstown bridge; Western Ave. to temporarily close Thursday
Deconstruction of the old Crosstown bridge, set to get underway this week, marks significant progress on the I-40 Crosstown project. For years the Oklahoma Department of Transportation has been working toward being able to bring down the old Crosstown bridge to make way for construction of the City of Oklahoma City's future boulevard and all of its reconnection to the new interstate.
12-014 April 23 ODOT Commemorates Work Zone Awareness Week, Remembers Lost Workers
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation and its safety partners statewide commemorated National Work Zone Awareness Week with gatherings in Oklahoma City on Friday, April 20 and in Tulsa on Monday, April 23. The speakers urged motorists to be alert to the importance of using caution in construction zones and to remember the motorists and workers who have died in work zone collisions over the past year.
Open House for new state-of-the-art inspection station in Kay Co., April 27
Please join the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Department of Public Safety, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and local community partners as they host an open house at the new commercial truck inspection station in Kay County, the first of nine state-of-the-art port-of-entry facilities planned statewide. Friday, April 27, 2012
12-019 April 19 I Dream of a Cleaner Oklahoma: 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 21st annual Trash Poster Contest.
12-018 April 13 TRASH-OFF: Not too late to participate
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is partnering with Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, the state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, for the 2012 Great American Cleanup, the nation's largest cleanup, beautification and community improvement program.
12-017 April 4 April Commission Wrap-Up: Lieutenant governor recognizes ODOT safety efforts; $34.7 million in contracts approved
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, April 2 meeting include Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb reading the governor's Work Zone Safety Awareness Week proclamation, presenting safety awards and debuting new work zone safety public service announcements.
12-013 April 2 Excellence in safety garners awards for ODOT divisions, crews
Safety in the workplace is always a top priority, but it becomes especially important when your workplace consists of traffic cones and 60 mile per hour traffic. At Monday’s meeting of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission, Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb and ODOT Director Gary Ridley handed out awards to ODOT crews who demonstrated a continued commitment to safety and have shown great improvement in safety practices this past year.
12-012 March 7 March Commission Wrap-Up: Inhofe speaks on transportation funding, $55.7 million in contracts approved
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, March 5 meeting include an update from U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe on federal transportation funding legislation, the hiring of a new division engineer and a report on inspection stations, also called ports of entry.
12-011 March 5 Echelle named Division Two Engineer at Oklahoma Department of Transportation
Anthony Echelle was recently named Division Two Engineer for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. Echelle's new position entails overseeing all construction and maintenance operations on highways in Atoka, Bryan, Choctaw, Latimer, LeFlore, Marshall, McCurtain, Pittsburg and Pushmataha counties in southeastern Oklahoma.
February 29 Public says goodbye to the historic I-40 Crosstown
With westbound I-40 Crosstown traffic being switched and traffic taken off the old Crosstown, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation gave the public one last opportunity to visit the historic bridge February 29, before deconstruction begins
12-009 February 24 Public's last opportunity on old I-40 Crosstown interstate
Now that westbound I-40 Crosstown traffic has been switched and all traffic has been taken off the old Crosstown, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation wants to make available a last opportunity for the public to visit the old bridge before it is taken down and fully deconstructed.
12-010 February 24 Public meeting on SH-9/US-62 improvements Tuesday
Representatives from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation will be in Anadarko on Tuesday, Feb. 28, to discuss a proposed improvement plan for SH-9/US-62 in Caddo County.
12-008 February 17 State Rail Plan in Progress; Public Review Needed
Oklahoma's Freight and Passenger Rail Plan undergone last November is taking shape nicely and now needs public review.
12-007 February 15 Big change in store for downtown ramps as westbound I-40 Crosstown traffic is switched Sunday
The westbound I-40 Crosstown traffic switch is planned for Sunday, Feb. 19 and brings about a big change for downtown area ramps including the Robinson Ave. and Hudson Ave. ramps.
12-006 February 8 February Commission Wrap-up: I-40 Crosstown westbound lanes to open soon, $84.5 million in contracts approved
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, Feb. 6 meeting include a status report on the I-40 Crosstown, approval of 20 engineering contracts to replace 65 bridges, and an update on federal transportation funding legislation currently before U.S. Congress.
SH-53 meeting set in Springer Jan. 31
Citizens asked to attend SH-53 informational meeting in Springer
12-005 January 20 Take the Road to a Cleaner Oklahoma with the Statewide Trash Poster Contest
"There's Hope...Just Pick Up Your Trash," was the message on the overall winning entry from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's 2011 Trash Poster Contest to promote state cleanliness and pride through anti-littering slogans and artwork. The deadline for this year's competition is fast approaching.
12-004 January 12 Plan now for further traffic changes on the new I-40 Crosstown drive
Caution urged for I-40 Crosstown drivers as they share more of roadway now with construction crews.
Amtrak 40th Anniversary Exhibit Train in Oklahoma City this Weekend
The Amtrak Exhibit Train, a unique traveling display showcasing memorabilia from the 40-years of Amtrak railroad history is touring the country and is stopping this weekend at the Amtrak (Santa Fe) station in Oklahoma City.
12-003 January 11 January Commission Wrap-Up:
I-40 Crosstown efforts, opening applauded; Amtrak celebrates 40 years
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, Jan. 9 meeting include the opening of the eastbound lanes of the new I-40 Crosstown and discussion of work remaining; approval of $3 million in engineering contracts and supplements; approval of a county bridge project and reminder Amtrak's 40th Anniversary exhibit train will be on display this weekend.
12-001 January 5 Out with the old, in with the new; state-of-the-art I-40 Crosstown unwrapped
Drivers received the gift of a century with the grand opening of the new I-40 Crosstown in Oklahoma City Thursday, Jan. 5, to "unwrap" the first segment and celebrate the first time the public has travelled the much-anticipated highway.
12-002 January 5 Crosstown Opening Press Kit
description of press release
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.
Shields Blvd. exit best for access to downtown/Bricktown area
The recent opening of the new eastbound I-40 Crosstown lanes brings about changes for drivers. New traffic patterns and on and off-ramps require drivers to adjust their routines for getting to downtown Oklahoma City. Those going to the downtown area or Bricktown should use the Shields Blvd. exit.
