13-030 August 12 Oklahoma's new I-40 Crosstown receives national kudos; named one of the best projects in the western states
The largest project ever undertaken by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation was recently named one of the best in a competition of western states. On Aug. 5, ODOT's project to relocate and reconstruct the I-40 Crosstown in Oklahoma City was named a regional winner in the 2013 America's Transportation Awards competition by the Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Director Mike Patterson accepted the regional prize in the "Ahead of Schedule, Large Project" category at the annual WASHTO meeting in San Francisco, Calif.
August 9 August Commission Meeting
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will hold a special meeting at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 12 in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building, 200 N.E. 21st St. in Oklahoma City. Items to be addressed at the meeting: The Oklahoma Department of Transportation's project to relocate and reconstruct the I-40 Crosstown in Oklahoma City recently received an award in a competition of western states. Director Mike Patterson will present a regional America's Transportation Award from the Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
August 2 August Commission Reminder
The monthly meeting of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission that is usually held on the first Monday of each month is scheduled for 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 12, in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building, 200 N.E. 21st St. in Oklahoma City.
13-029 July 24 Passenger Rail Connecting Tulsa and Oklahoma City Gets an In-Depth Look
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Federal Railroad Administration, has initiated the Tulsa-Oklahoma City Passenger Rail Corridor Investment Plan to evaluate how passenger rail could improve inter-city connectivity between Tulsa and Oklahoma City.Three public scoping meetings will occur in mid-August to provide an opportunity for the public to provide feedback regarding the study.
13-027 July 19 Improvements continue as the next I-44/I-235/Broadway Extension interchange reconstruction project begins Monday night
Progress on one of Oklahoma City's busiest interchanges is ramping up and commuters will see work begin at the I-44/ I-235/Broadway Extension interchange Monday night. This much anticipated next phase of the I-44/ I-235/BWX interchange is concentrated primarily in the southwest quadrant of the interchange, however some minor improvements will also take place on the northeast quadrant of the interchange.
13-026 July 17 Green named Director of Operations for Oklahoma Department of Transportation
Paul D. Green was recently named Director of Operations for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. Green most recently served as Division Engineer for ODOT's Perry-based Division 4, which encompasses nine counties in north-central Oklahoma and includes most of the Oklahoma City metro area.
July 12 Supplies for Oklahoma Tornado Relief carried tonight on Heartland Flyer
Today's daily Heartland Flyer train will include a railcar loaded with 60 totes/boxes of supplies from Aetna Insurance employees to be distributed to those devastated by the May 2013 tornados.Tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m. in Oklahoma City, Church of Christ volunteers will unload the railcar prior to the 8:25 a.m. daily departure to return to Fort Worth.
13-025 July 3 July Commission Wrap-up:Oklahoma better than national average for structurally deficient highway bridges; $61 million in contracts awarded
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, July 1 meeting include a report on the state's structurally deficient highway bridges, recognition of Oklahoma Department of Transportation workers who assisted with recent tornado cleanup efforts, presentation of an award for the grand opening event for the I-40 Crosstown and approval of contracts for the final phase of the Durant Bypass and two major Oklahoma City metro area highway projects.
13-024 July 1 Big projects to ease congestion for Oklahoma City, Durant
At Monday's monthly meeting of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission, three projects were awarded that will greatly improve driver access in the Oklahoma City and Durant areas.
June 28 July Transportation Commission Meeting
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will hold its monthly meeting at 11 a.m. Monday, July 1 in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building, 200 N.E. 21st St. in Oklahoma City. Items to be addressed at the meeting: Oklahoma Department of Transportation Director Mike Patterson will brief commissioners on a recent study released by a national transportation advocacy group regarding the nation's bridges and ODOT's progress in addressing the state's structurally deficient highway bridges. He will also provide an update on the department's continued storm recovery efforts following May's tornadoes.
13-023 Local bridge project receives federal grant for innovation
Oklahoma has been selected as one of 13 states to receive funding for innovative highway and bridge projects from the Federal Highway Administration's Highways for Life Discretionary Grants program. These grants encourage new efficiency techniques and advancements in construction methods. The 2013 recipients were announced in early June.
Public meeting for future Oklahoma City Boulevard rescheduled to June 18; Input needed
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation joined by the City of Oklahoma City has rescheduled the public meeting about the Oklahoma City Boulevard to Tuesday, June 18. The meeting was originally scheduled for May 22 but was canceled due to the tornado
13-021 June 5 June Transportation Commission Wrap-up: ODOT responds to May's destructive tornadoes and floods; $36 million in contracts awarded
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, June 3 meeting include reports on the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's efforts to clear debris following May's tornadoes and flooding, announcement of a new deputy director and chief engineer and approval of a $7.5 million contract for the final phase of new interchange construction on I-35 near the Oklahoma/Texas border.
13-020 June 4 Gatz, Shell tapped to fill top ODOT positions
Oklahoma Department of Transportation Director Mike Patterson announced the promotion of two longtime employees to fill the agency's top leadership positions at the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, June 3 meeting. Tim Gatz, of El Reno, was named Deputy Director and will oversee all of the department's project management, administrative, financial, legislative and public information activities. Casey Shell, of Stillwater, was named Chief Engineer and will lead ODOT's preconstruction, construction and maintenance efforts statewide.
May 31 June Transportation Commission Meeting
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will hold its monthly meeting at 11 a.m. Monday, June 3 in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building, 200 N.E. 21st St. in Oklahoma City. Items to be addressed at the meeting: Following last week's destructive tornados in the Moore, Shawnee and Carney areas, Oklahoma Department of Transportation Director of Operations Casey Shell will give a report on the deployment of ODOT crew members and heavy equipment to help clear storm debris from highways and streets. He will also report on last week's highway closures in Atoka and Pittsburg counties caused by heavy rains in southeastern Oklahoma.
13-019 May 22 ODOT and OTA crews assisting with cleanup operations in Moore; travel strongly discouraged in the area
Beginning Monday evening, Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority crews statewide have been mobilizing and bringing equipment to the Moore area in Cleveland County to assist with cleanup efforts following Monday's violent storms. This morning, ODOT crews joined with those from other federal, state and local agencies as efforts switched focus from recovery operations to debris removal and cleanup.
ODOT public meetings in Oklahoma City canceled due to storm
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has canceled several public meetings, including the meeting about the I-40 Crosstown and Oklahoma City Boulevard originally scheduled for Wednesday, May 22 out of respect for those experiencing losses and involved in the ongoing recovery and cleanup efforts in Moore. These meetings will be rescheduled in the next few weeks to ensure that all interested individuals will be able to participate. An update will be sent when the meeting dates have been set.
13-017 May 8 May Commission Wrap-Up: I-40 Crosstown design work receives national engineering award; $20 million in contracts awarded
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, May 6 meeting include recognition of I-40 Crosstown design work by state and national engineering organizations, an update on proposed state transportation funding for the upcoming fiscal year and approval of two contracts for major road improvements in southwestern Oklahoma.
May 3 May Transportation Commission Meeting
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will hold its monthly meeting at 11 a.m. Monday, May 6 in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building, 200 N.E. 21st St. in Oklahoma City. Items to be addressed at the meeting: Oklahoma Department of Transportation Director Mike Patterson will update commissioners on state transportation funding proposed by the state legislature and the agency's plans for the upcoming fiscal year.
13-015 April 18 77 Reasons to Keep Oklahoma Clean: Students Raise Litter Awareness Through Art
Solutions to large problems can often come from unexpected sources. Solving the enormous litter problem may have started with a group of artistic and ambitious youngsters from the across the state as part of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's 22nd annual Trash Poster Contest, which rewards students for their outstanding artwork raising awareness for litter.
13-016 April 12 As Highway Construction Ramps Up, Motorists are Reminded in Traffic Safety, We're All In This Together
Across the state, numerous highway and maintenance projects like I-44/Broadway Extension in Oklahoma City and I-44/Lewis in Tulsa are progressing quickly and many more are scheduled over the next eight years. The locations of the orange barrels and cones may change, but the emphasis on safety stays the same.
13-014 April 3 April Commission Wrap-up: Work zone safety is top priority at ODOT; $40 million in contracts awarded
Even on April Fool's Day, work zone safety was no laughing matter to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation workers who risk their lives every day in work zones just a few feet from moving traffic. Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, April 1 meeting include presentation of a proclamation declaring "Work Zone Awareness Week" in Oklahoma, recognition of ODOT work crews with the best safety records, acknowledgement of a local reporter and columnist who received a national award for reporting on safety issues and an update on recently-signed federal funding legislation.
13-013 April 1 ODOT divisions, crews awarded for safety in the workplace
At Monday’s monthly meeting of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission, Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation Gary Ridley handed out awards to ODOT crews that demonstrated a continued commitment to safety and have shown great improvement in safety practices this past year.
March 29 April Transportation Commission Meeting Advisory
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will hold its monthly meeting at 11 a.m. Monday, April 1 in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building, 200 N.E. 21st St. in Oklahoma City. Items to be addressed at the meeting: Transportation Secretary Gary Ridley will present a proclamation by Governor Mary Fallin declaring April 15-19 "Work Zone Awareness Week" in Oklahoma. Even on April Fool's Day, work zone safety is no joke for Oklahoma Department of Transportation workers. Safety Branch Manager Mike Bracken will present the 2012 Safety Awards, recognizing the ODOT work crews with the best safety records last year.
13-011 March 29 State leaders praise Ridley's long career in state transportation
After 44 years with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, including 12 years as its director, Gary Ridley is hanging up his hard hat and safety vest. Though he is retiring as director of both ODOT and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority at the end of March, Ridley will remain Transportation Secretary, a position for which he was first appointed by Gov. Brad Henry in 2009 and reappointed by Gov. Mary Fallin after her election in 2010.
13-012 March 22 Rail meetings scheduled in Ardmore and OKC
The Texas Dept. of Transportation kicks off study with public meetings to research viability of Texas-Oklahoma passenger rail line.
13-010 March 12 Mbroh named Transit Division Manager at Oklahoma Department of Transportation
Oklahoma City resident Ernestine "Ernie" Mbroh was named Transit Programs Division Manager for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation in early March 2013. In her role with the Transit Programs Division, she will be responsible for managing both urban and rural public transit programs and administering technical assistance and funding for public transportation providers in Oklahoma.
13-009 March 5 March Transportation Commission Wrap-up: Changing of the guard; Final phase of I-244 bridge construction in Tulsa approved: $100 million in contracts awarded
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, March 4 meeting include appointment of a new Oklahoma Department of Transportation director, recognition of ODOT field maintenance crews for their snow removal and rescue efforts during the recent major winter storm in northwestern Oklahoma and approval of a more than $41 million contract to construct the new eastbound I-244 bridge over the Arkansas River in Tulsa.
13-008 March 4 Patterson named ODOT director
Thirty-three year Oklahoma Department of Transportation employee J. Michael "Mike" Patterson was appointed director by members of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission on Monday, March 4. Patterson, who has served as the agency's Deputy Director and Chief Financial Officer since 2010, will officially begin in his new capacity as ODOT director on April 1.
13-007 March 4 ODOT Crews Dig Out Northwest Counties, are Recognized at Commission Meeting
Oklahoma Department of Transportation crews statewide were commended at the monthly Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting Monday for their efforts in tackling the blizzard-like conditions from last week's storm.
March 1 March Commission Advisory
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will hold its monthly meeting at 11 a.m. Monday, March 4 in the R.A. Ward Transportation Building, 200 N.E. 21st St. in Oklahoma City. Items to be addressed at the meeting: Director of Operations Casey Shell will provide a report on snow and ice removal operations following the major winter storm that closed several highways in western and northwestern Oklahoma this week. He will also recognize some of the maintenance workers who worked around the clock, clearing snow from highways and rescuing stranded motorists.
13-005 Feb. 6 February Commission Wrap-up: Final phase of I-40 widening between Yukon and Oklahoma City approved; $175 million in contracts awarded
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Monday, Feb. 4 meeting include national recognition of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's partnership with Keep Oklahoma Beautiful to clean up litter in all 77 counties, approval of ODOT's eight-year construction and maintenance plan for state-owned railway and awarding several contracts for major interstate improvements in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas.
13-004 Feb. 4 ODOT receives national award for cleanup efforts
There have been many great partners in the world: Butch and Sundance, Starsky and Hutch, Batman and Robin, peanut butter and jelly. Now the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Keep Oklahoma Beautiful can be added to the list of great partners. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation was presented with the National Partner Award at the 60th Annual Keep America Beautiful Conference Jan. 29 in Washington, D.C.
Feb. 1 February Transportation Commission Meeting
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. 4 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 Deputy Director/Chief Engineer Gary Evans will provide details on major upcoming interstate improvements in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas, as well as much-needed highway reconstruction projects in southern and southeastern Oklahoma.
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.
Jan. 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.
