If there is a better thread for this question, feel free to move it. I just couldn't find it via search if it exists.

Does anyone know when they will be done with the I-40 expansion and reconstruction between Sara Rd. and Garth Brooks Blvd. and will have the retaining barriers removed? I tried to navigate ODOT's website to find out, but that thing is a piece of junk and damn near unusable to find construction updates.

If there is a better thread for this question, feel free to move it. I just couldn't find it via search if it exists.

Does anyone know when they will be done with the I-40 expansion and reconstruction between Sara Rd. and Garth Brooks Blvd. and will have the retaining barriers removed? I tried to navigate ODOT's website to find out, but that thing is a piece of junk and damn near unusable to find construction updates.
They are getting close to being completed with I-40 itself. It looks like the last thing that will be finished is the bridge over I-40 on Mustang Rd. When on I-40, you are now driving on the new surfaces, I could see all lanes open within a month...this is just a guess, but it's getting close.

Instead of opening all lanes in a month, it may be in this coming week, as tonight they are removing the temporary concrete barriers on I-40. Hopefully all lanes will be open soon.

Instead of opening all lanes in a month, it may be in this coming week, as tonight they are removing the temporary concrete barriers on I-40. Hopefully all lanes will be open soon.

Even if instead of just dropping to two lanes, would divert a third lane with the people who will be getting off at the turnpike/mustang road it would be a big improvement to keep the area from backing up.

Does anyone know what they are doing on eastbound I-40 just east of the I-35 (Dallas) junction? It looks like they are grading some diversion lanes down the hill which seems a very weird thing to do. I can't figure out how this ties into the Boulevard exit, so I wondered if they weren't reworking the southbound exit from westbound I-35 to make traffic move faster through there. Anyone know?

Does anyone know what they are doing on eastbound I-40 just east of the I-35 (Dallas) junction? It looks like they are grading some diversion lanes down the hill which seems a very weird thing to do. I can't figure out how this ties into the Boulevard exit, so I wondered if they weren't reworking the southbound exit from westbound I-35 to make traffic move faster through there. Anyone know?

Maybe it is the Boulevard's entrance on to I-35 south?

I didn't see anything on the east side of 35, but on the west side, they are working on the ramp that will come from the boulevard onto I-40 EB in the I-35 SB exit lane. Might that be what you saw?

No, this is east of the I-35/I-235 interchange on the north side of the east bound lane of I-40 (in the center median). I can't figure out what they are doing.

No, this is east of the I-35/I-235 interchange on the north side of the east bound lane of I-40 (in the center median). I can't figure out what they are doing.

Is this a westbound entry into downtown via the new boulevard ? They have all kinds of bridges being built in the area.

Is this a westbound entry into downtown via the new boulevard ? They have all kinds of bridges being built in the area.Better not. I will be furious if a new exit or entry is built on the left side of the highway. That is dump and screws up traffic. A lot of our interchanges need to be fixed in this regard.

They placed the concrete for the East bound boulevard off ramp / onramp to I-40 today.

The timed lighting for on/off ramps on i40 is so freaking bad. It gives even amounts of timing for all directions no matter the time of day, this causes huge backups during certain times of day. Anybody know when this issue will be addressed?

Does anyone know why some of the signs on the new i40 have what appears to small electronic screens above each lane? Looks to be some kind of lane indicator but I have never seen them turned on in the now 3 years this road has been open. Seems like a waste of money since they have never been used.

Would be curious to know why they were added but then never used.

Does anyone know why some of the signs on the new i40 have what appears to small electronic screens above each lane? Looks to be some kind of lane indicator but I have never seen them turned on in the now 3 years this road has been open. Seems like a waste of money since they have never been used.

Would be curious to know why they were added but then never used.

Oklahoma's traffic information system has always been a very slow work in progress. It was years before they built the traffic speed sensors that allowed the information boards to give ETA information to certain parts of the city. The lane close indicators are probably also dependent on a future system not yet developed or built. I doubt there is currently an easy way to trigger those lane signs on and off.

I drive on the Crosstown everyday to work and back and while the speed limit says 60, many drivers go at 70 mph, so it's not like they're strictly enforcing it. But you have to be careful, the motorcycle cops and state highway patrol cars are always on the lookout for those going any faster. I see drivers that have been pulled over almost daily on that stretch. The motorcycle cops actually make themselves visible standing on the left shoulder of the highway with their speed guns pointed at traffic.

I noticed this evening coming home from work (by the airport) into downtown, exiting at Shields Ave.
I-40 is dark as heck, most lights are not lit (ODOT says the copper was stolen), even taking the Western Ave exit, it's dark the entire way in.
Top of the Shields ramp, this little print blue sign shows "points of interest" but it's too small to see from the intersection.
The street sign is doubled up showing (also in small print) Shields to the right & EK Gaylord to the left. Then all the construction once you get down to Reno, just a mess..
Going through the CBD, not a street light on and it was already dusk, folks crossing the street, etc.
Glad I wasn't a visitor to our city, just seems our directional signage is lacking, it's dark, etc. Not something I would be impressed with.

And please, I love what we're doing here, Project 180 & the like, maybe we just need to show it better?

has ALWAYS been my complaint about OKC (being too dark) and definitely noticed when we were in the city buying property in December (including during the cold--- snap). ...

Keep in mind ODOT does not repair these. The lights are maintained by OG&E, and they will not proactively fix them. Only if they are reported.

Was gonna say, definitely call it in to whoever is in charge and explain to them that it might be a sorry sight for visitors and maybe they'll get it fixed quicker.

It's been like this for pretty much close to a year. I figured they were doing it to cut down on electric costs.

Its looks absolutely horrid, not to mention how dangerous it is.

I know it's been that like for months. I can't believe it's been months. Very sad if so. It needs to get fixed ASAP. It's ridiculous.

I do call OG&E on outages (I'm almost on a first name basis with them). The I-40 section, went back & forth between them & ODOT, even got the Mayor's office involved, when ODOT said the copper theft in that area was a big problem. I get that, just think there should be a better solution to resolve this. With state money tanking right now, lights are probably not the highest priority, but it's frustrating.

so.... why not increase security for the copper or better yet - why not get to installing it.

copper is an issue everywhere but only in OKC would they use it as an excuse to do nothing and let downtown sit in-the-dark.

Also, the big green directional signage along I-44 coming from the airport looks like they have lights on them and never lit. Just seems like if they did some routine maintenance or notice it themselves, it would get repaired.

Also, the big green directional signage along I-44 coming from the airport looks like they have lights on them and never lit. Just seems like if they did some routine maintenance or notice it themselves, it would get repaired.

ODOT routinely doesn't replace those lights when they go out. Shame as IMO they improve sign visibility at night and in bad weather.

Does anyone know when it's going to be lit up? This is our major thru way for travelers so one would think it would be brightly lighted nicely every night to help guide our guest safely through our city. This thing should be glowing like the Kilpatrick Turnpike does at night! I just don't get it. This has been going on since the dang thing was opened. I would think our city leaders would find this troubling if not embarrassing and would have had it lit end to end from the get go.

Does anyone know when it's going to be lit up? This is our major thru way for travelers so one would think it would be brightly lighted nicely every night to help guide our guest safely through our city. This thing should be glowing like the Kilpatrick Turnpike does at night! I just don't get it. This has been going on since the dang thing was opened. I would think our city leaders would find this troubling if not embarrassing and would have had it lit end to end from the get go.

This probably addresses your question:

http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=42512&p=989418#post989418

It costs a whole, whopping, amazing $5000 annually to keep the street lights on/fix them, and they're apparently just now figuring out how to install theft-proof features on the lights so copper won't be stolen. :doh:

Anybody else notice the huge dip that has developed on I40 just east of Shields & the railroad? It is more pronounced going East but you can feel it going both directions (west & east).

As far as I can tell there aren't any cracks in the pavement but it is a very big dip that really jolts you around when you drive over it. Not sure how they could possible repair it, if they even need too.

Anybody else notice the huge dip that has developed on I40 just east of Shields & the railroad? It is more pronounced going East but you can feel it going both directions (west & east).

As far as I can tell there aren't any cracks in the pavement but it is a very big dip that really jolts you around when you drive over it. Not sure how they could possible repair it, if they even need too.

I think this is due to the OG&E substation relocation work. ODOT is doing soil testing today and tomorrow to begin working on correcting the problem.

http://kfor.com/2017/11/14/i-40-narrows-to-one-lane-at-i-35-i-235-wednesday-and-thursday/

Anybody else notice the huge dip that has developed on I40 just east of Shields & the railroad? It is more pronounced going East but you can feel it going both directions (west & east).

As far as I can tell there aren't any cracks in the pavement but it is a very big dip that really jolts you around when you drive over it. Not sure how they could possible repair it, if they even need too.

You're not talking about the double-bump, are you? That's the tunnel that goes from Lower Bricktown to the Boathouse District, and it's always been there. (And annoying, at that.)

Anybody else notice the huge dip that has developed on I40 just east of Shields & the railroad? It is more pronounced going East but you can feel it going both directions (west & east).

i first noticed it going east last week and hit it once more this week... haven't ever felt it going west.

You're not talking about the double-bump, are you? That's the tunnel that goes from Lower Bricktown to the Boathouse District, and it's always been there. (And annoying, at that.)

No i take this route everyday, it’s for sure New and it’s a big time dip.

I think this is due to the OG&E substation relocation work. ODOT is doing soil testing today and tomorrow to begin working on correcting the problem.

http://kfor.com/2017/11/14/i-40-narrows-to-one-lane-at-i-35-i-235-wednesday-and-thursday/

TThat answers my question! Hope it’s a quick and cheap fix but i doubt it.

TThat answers my question! Hope it’s a quick and cheap fix but i doubt it.

OGE is paying for this and using their contractor I believe

Also. Is this issue also on the shields to i40 west ramp? I swear there is a big dip that has formed there as well

have they turned on the freeway lights yet? OKC is the only major city I know of that has a major interstate pitch dark through it's central city area. ...

have they turned on the freeway lights yet? OKC is the only major city I know of that has a major interstate pitch dark through it's central city area. ...

Nope, been out for years. Not gonna get fixed anytime soon I'd guess.

Rumor is the copper theft replacement won't be completed until about March, until the thieves steal that (although it will be more aluminium to deter). Fingers crossed

in a way, this is more embarrassing to me than some of the towers not being lit up;

at least there are aviation beacons on Chase/Liberty and floodlights attop SandRidge; all other major towers are at least somewhat lit at the top, logo, or outline. But driving into the center of a major city so dark on a major cross-national freeway, .... creepy, .... empty feeling. .... Ditto with the new park/convention area all tore up (I know this will get fixed up but still, aids the creepy feeling).

I have noticed that they are not showing any current shots of OKC on TV (if they show anything at all); a total departure from years past where there were plenty. Hope they can install the aluminium wiring asap and turn on those freeway and street/sidewalk lights.

Yep, coming in from the new crosstown to downtown is not pretty. Take the Western Ave exit, its dark and creepy, and bumpy as heck. OKC Blvd, total darkness & dumps you into the unlit portion of Reno that is horrible to drive on. Take the Shields Ave exit, also dark & then thru the construction zone, tore up, dark, hard to read signs, etc. Not very welcoming. Ah, progress!

Anybody know why I40 will have lane closures starting 1-3-18 and how long it is supposed to last?

Found it here:
https://www.ok.gov/triton/modules/newsroom/newsroom_article.php?id=277&article_id=39031

Anybody know why I40 will have lane closures starting 1-3-18 and how long it is supposed to last?

Found it here:
https://www.ok.gov/triton/modules/newsroom/newsroom_article.php?id=277&article_id=39031

I bet it's related to relocating the substation to that area just south of I-40 from the future convention center site.

That link suggests it is for OG&E repairs to a utility area. In the article linked above there's another link pointing to odot, which echoes that statement. Both links (appears to be the same press release, actually) also say three weeks, weather permitting.

hopefully we'll have LIGHTS ON THE FREEWAY (and area) after the conclusion of the lane closures!!!

This is more than likely where I-40 has the sunken depression due to the tunneling by the contractor hired by OG&E for the new substation. It's a bad dip getting worse every day in both directions.

With the lane and ramp closures for this emergency repair work, Google is getting awfully creative on trying to route drivers through this intersection... (Don't try this one at home, kids!)

14351

EDIT: Because the pic is small, here's Google's directions:

Merge onto I-235 S - 1.8 mi
Use the left lane to take exit 1A for I-40 E/US-62 E toward I-35 N/Wichita/Ft Smith - 0.3 mi
Merge onto I-40 E - 0.1 mi
Take the exit onto I-235 N - 0.4 mi
Use the left 2 lanes to take exit 126 for Interstate 40 W toward Amarillo - 0.6 mi
Merge onto I-40 W

:lol2:

With the lane and ramp closures for this emergency repair work, Google is getting awfully creative on trying to route drivers through this intersection... (Don't try this one at home, kids!)



HA! Yeah between this, work on the park, and work on the boulevard.... Every morning makes my drive from Moore to Downtown a new adventure. ;)

You know, I am 100% for self-driving cars, but until they get this crap sorted out or every car on the road is self-driving and communicates with every other car within a two mile radius, this sort of thing is just asking for trouble. As long as there are humans in the loop (pun slightly intended) there is just no way this path is happening, especially during rush hour.

Anybody know why I40 will have lane closures starting 1-3-18 and how long it is supposed to last?

Found it here:
https://www.ok.gov/triton/modules/newsroom/newsroom_article.php?id=277&article_id=39031

It looks like this will go on until late january, weather permitting. I have been using I-44 to go east and then taking I-35 to get to I-40 eastbound.

It looks like this will go on until late january, weather permitting. I have been using I-44 to go east and then taking I-35 to get to I-40 eastbound.

I've been through this construction zone about 7 or 8 times and it hasn't been that bad. It's usually flowing well. It would still be nice to see the orange barrels gone sooner versus later.

I hate how they blocked a lane on I-235 N, it blocks the exit only lane onto a 2-laned ramp to I-40. They would have been better off just closing the lane, AFTER people exit I-235 and are on the ramp for I-40 west.

I've been through this construction zone about 7 or 8 times and it hasn't been that bad. It's usually flowing well. It would still be nice to see the orange barrels gone sooner versus later.

I have hit it a few times and it seems like it makes me about 12-15 minutes late every time. I wonder if they are working on this 24-7 like the big cities do or if they are using their normal bankers hours with no pressure to get anything done?

East bound I-40 has opened back up to all lanes. The dip was fixed very well, as you can hardly notice a difference.

East bound I-40 has opened back up to all lanes. The dip was fixed very well, as you can hardly notice a difference.

Thanks for the heads up!

East bound I-40 has opened back up to all lanes. The dip was fixed very well, as you can hardly notice a difference.
I noticed this yesterday, but are they not doing anything to the outside (southernmost) lanes of I-40 EB? If they're already done, that's awesome, but I didn't know if the other lanes required work as well.

I noticed this yesterday, but are they not doing anything to the outside (southernmost) lanes of I-40 EB? If they're already done, that's awesome, but I didn't know if the other lanes required work as well.

The boring issue didn't seem to impact the two outside lanes of eastbound I-40. I never felt a dip in those lanes like the two inside lanes. Now the westbound lanes seem to have a large dip in all 4 lanes, so I'd think they all get replaced. Just my opinion.

Open fully both ways yet?

Are the lights ever going to work on I-40? The entire stretch from the Amarillo junction to the Ft. Smith junction is completely dark.

Edit: Just went back a page or so and read why the lights aren't operating. It's just so frustrating that this is a heavily traveled thoroughfare and safety is a huge concern. It's also embarrassing when friends from out of town comment/ask about our freeways being so poorly lit.

Open fully both ways yet?

Yes, early last week.

I emailed ODOT today about I-40 between I-44 and Meridian because the work left the road in such crappy condition compared to before the work.

Good news everyone! The work is not complete, but was suspended during the winter months. When they resume (in February when they see consistent warmer temps), they WILL be diamond grinding the surface and will actually also be sealing the concrete with an asphalt layer as well.