I am happy it will open up less late than the projected level of lateness

LOL

Exactly, almost spewed my diet Coke when I read that in the paper, considering it is a few years behind schedule! But good to hear I guess.

Also, they mentioned that the replacement Boulevard is still 6 lanes at this point...

LOL

Exactly, almost spewed my diet Coke when I read that in the paper, considering it is a few years behind schedule! But good to hear I guess.

Also, they mentioned that the replacement Boulevard is still 6 lanes at this point...

I guess you shouldn't be having diet Coke for breakfast, Larry. LOL

The wiki article says 70MPH.

So heading eastbound from yukon....Once you hit Merdian it goes to 60MPH from 65....then you go back to 70 for a few miles then back to 60MPH as you head to midwest city? seems odd.

Huh? The lowest posted speed limit is 55, between the I-44 junction and through the end of construction after going over Reno Avenue.

Huh? The lowest posted speed limit is 55, between the I-44 junction and through the end of construction after going over Reno Avenue.

Which proves you shouldn't believe everything you read Wikipedia.

On Wikipedia? Or because I drive thru there all the time?

On Wikipedia? Or because I drive thru there all the time?

I was referring to the prevous post which referenced Wikipedia. I drive there often too so I'm well aware of what the current speed limits are in that area.

I guess you shouldn't be having diet Coke for breakfast, Larry. LOL

Sorry if I wasn't clear, I wasn't drinking Diet Coke FOR breakfast, just as my breakfast beverage (what I drink instead of coffee/milk/OJ etc). Have been doing so for decades now. Besides I rarely eat breakfast type food as my first meal of the day (after working a pseudo graveyard shift for the past 10 years, my eating schedule is not what the rest of the world would consider "normal" anyway).

That said, I would much rather clean up Diet Coke from the keyboard than milk or OJ. In fact Diet Coke just needs to drain or evaporate, it doesn't leave a sticky mess or smell behind like some other liquids. LOL

The wiki article says 70MPH.

So heading eastbound from yukon....Once you hit Merdian it goes to 60MPH from 65....then you go back to 70 for a few miles then back to 60MPH as you head to midwest city? seems odd.

I don't remember their their being a 70 in the middle of the city, maybe past the i40/i35 interchange. Ironically though, if we wanted to have less congestion we would need to have the fastest speeds at the center of the city where you get the most volume and then slow down as you get further out.

I don't remember their their being a 70 in the middle of the city, maybe past the i40/i35 interchange.

That's exactly why I made the comment a few posts ago that you shouldn't believe everything you read in Wikipedia.

was driving around today and discovered that the walker bridge is now open! looks like robinson will be ready in a couple months. -M

Wow, that was pretty fast.

was driving around today and discovered that the walker bridge is now open! looks like robinson will be ready in a couple months. -M

Don't normally frequent Transportation, but I noticed the bridge open yesterday, and got some video today while I was doing the usual video. It should probably be moved here.

http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=26404

Yeah, I saw your video and pic in that other thread. Niiice as always.. but post them here from now on, since you now know this exists ;-). I drove across it yesterday... Some homeless guy on a bike was riding against oncoming traffic on the bridge and he wasn't even using the sidewalk. What a dillweed!

Penn, Robinson, and Walker all seem to be opening at the same time. Penn sure did take a long time compared to Robinson and Walker. I also noticed several light towers have been put up. Will those be placed all along the new section of I-40 or just major on-ramps and off-ramps?

Yeah, Penn was an issue of moving the tracks over here and then back over there.

Here's some shots I didn't expect to get as I went out today. I crossed over the Western bridge again and saw these guys and thought I should get some detail of the new interstate.

(7-13-11)

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Interstate%2040%20Crosstown/westerni-40bridedetail7-13-11-1.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Interstate%2040%20Crosstown/westerni-40bridedetail7-13-11-2.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Interstate%2040%20Crosstown/westerni-40bridedetail7-13-11-3.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Interstate%2040%20Crosstown/westerni-40bridedetail7-13-11-4.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Interstate%2040%20Crosstown/westerni-40bridedetail7-13-11-5.jpg

Thanks for the pics!

Look closely, you can see them not really painting very good. Same for a similar wall in Tulsa that I looked closely...was terrible...but when people drive by, they can't notice it. They need to really paint it near-perfect (nothing is perfect), because people stop along side these walls will notice the quality.

Look closely, you can see them not really painting very good. Same for a similar wall in Tulsa that I looked closely...was terrible...but when people drive by, they can't notice it. They need to really paint it near-perfect (nothing is perfect), because people stop along side these walls will notice the quality.

What do you consider near-perfect. How do you know that's not the Southwestern texture and paint scheme they were going for. Plus, that's only the first coat.

What do you consider near-perfect. How do you know that's not the Southwestern texture and paint scheme they were going for. Plus, that's only the first coat.

Look at the pix closely and you can see how its not smooth line at the edges. Its like they just paint quickly without doing the task of applying tape all around where paint can be even lined.

Look at the pix closely and you can see how its not smooth line at the edges. Its like they just paint quickly without doing the task of applying tape all around where paint can be even lined.

Please note as jn1780 said that may not be the finished product. And while I hope it looks nice, what people are going to be stopping along the side of the freeway to admire the paint job unless they get a flat tire?

Agreed, i'm pretty much gonna say that it looks great. WAAAAAY better than a bland unfinished surface like we used to get. And if it's "outside the lines" some, i'm sure they'll fix it if you want to go talk to them and show them how to do it....lol.

Hey unfr, you should thank them for waiting to pour that barrier for you too! It made a great window...lol

http://www.newsok.com/article/3584738

Proposed deep cuts in federal highway spending over the next six years would have a devastating effect on Oklahoma's eight-year road- and bridge-building plan and likely would delay key projects, including completion of the new Crosstown Expressway, the state's transportation secretary said Monday.

IMO, seems like a scare tactic, what since would it make to stop the I-40 relocation when they are this close to having it finished? If funding cuts do happen, seems much more logical to cut/delay something that is on the tail end of their 8 year plan and something that hasn't even been started yet. Don't care for Ridley in the least and was very disappointed when Gov. Fallin kept him on board.

Could the Core to Shore Boulevard be in Jeopardy?

http://blog.newsok.com/okccentral/2011/07/16/could-the-core-to-shore-boulevard-be-in-jeopardy/

Posted by slackmeyer on July 16, 2011M at 11:57 am

Maybe you missed the story that appeared earlier this week in which Gary Ridley at ODOT talked about how potential federal budget cuts could hamper completion of the new Interstate 40 south of downtown (read it here). Note the following excerpt:
Ridley said the cut would be so extreme his agency would be unable to protect the $670 million Crosstown Expressway project, the most expensive project in state history. The seven-year project to relocate Interstate 40 through downtown Oklahoma City is scheduled to be completed next year.
“When you talk about those kind of numbers, everything is at risk,” he said. “You just can’t say that something is going to be protected over everything else.”

Could the Core to Shore Boulevard be in Jeopardy?

http://blog.newsok.com/okccentral/2011/07/16/could-the-core-to-shore-boulevard-be-in-jeopardy/

Posted by slackmeyer on July 16, 2011M at 11:57 am

Maybe you missed the story that appeared earlier this week in which Gary Ridley at ODOT talked about how potential federal budget cuts could hamper completion of the new Interstate 40 south of downtown (read it here). Note the following excerpt:
Ridley said the cut would be so extreme his agency would be unable to protect the $670 million Crosstown Expressway project, the most expensive project in state history. The seven-year project to relocate Interstate 40 through downtown Oklahoma City is scheduled to be completed next year.
“When you talk about those kind of numbers, everything is at risk,” he said. “You just can’t say that something is going to be protected over everything else.”

This is why I don't read that reporter's blog or even support by feeding the visits/views/hits. Scare tactic on the public is not appropriate. The old I-40 will...and it must...come down. There are other ways to complete the future project, so do not worry.

This is why I don't read that reporter's blog or even support by feeding the visits/views/hits. Scare tactic on the public is not appropriate. The old I-40 will...and it must...come down. There are other ways to complete the future project, so do not worry.

I am sure the new boulevard will be completed, there has to be a medium for people to access downtown, however at the tune of $85M, I doubt it. It will probably be broken into "phases", with the first phase being minimal amenities, etc....

I would think all the steel that can be recycled from the old crosstown will make a reasonable dent in the cost of removing it.

It will be demolished. If anything the money saved by not maintaining it can be used to gradually demolished it. I don't it will come to that, though.

The boulevard on the other hand could be delayed.

It would be a shame to have a grand new entrance on OKC Arena that can't be used for so long.

It would be a shame to have a grand new entrance on OKC Arena that can't be used for so long.

I wonder how much it would cost to build that stretch of road from Shields to Robinson. One block of road. LOL

While I can see federal funding having a possible effect on the Boulevard (a project that is supposedly still in the design phase and not started yet), I don't see how it could put the relocated Crosstown completion in danger. This is a project that is THIS close to being finished (unless the announced completion timeline isn't accurate, even with funding). Hasn't ODOT already received the balance of the money for this project? Just doesn't make sense and like I said it is just a scare tactic on Ridley's part (not Steve's, he is just reporting what the officials are saying). Could/would it have an effect on the 8 year plan? No doubt, but that should be projects on the end of the plan, that haven't been started yet. NOT projects that are nearly completed.

That and Ridley is praying that they get the new one open before the old one falls down on its own (he has stated as much).

While I can see federal funding having a possible effect on the Boulevard (a project that is supposedly still in the design phase and not started yet), I don't see how it could put the relocated Crosstown completion in danger. This is a project that is THIS close to being finished (unless the announced completion timeline isn't accurate, even with funding). Hasn't ODOT already received the balance of the money for this project? Just doesn't make sense and like I said it is just a scare tactic on Ridley's part (not Steve's, he is just reporting what the officials are saying). Could/would it have an effect on the 8 year plan? No doubt, but that should be projects on the end of the plan, that haven't been started yet. NOT projects that are nearly completed.

That and Ridley is praying that they get the new one open before the old one falls down on its own (he has stated as much).

If you read Steve's blog, there is only one $20 million job left for bid and it has alread been advertised. That means the money is already available.

Apples and oranges ? 1-40 construction is nearing completion by the new boulevard hasn't even started. Two different funding projects right?

Exactly correct, and I was referring to the new I-40 construction in my comment.

Right on all accounts (I read Steve's blog after I posted the comment). Originally the Boulevard was part of the I-40 relocation project but due to the various cost over runs, the project has been subdivided to the point that it is considered a separate project now.

His blog goes to show that Ridley was either
1) misquoted in the original article,
2) taken out of context or
3) was using scare tactics.

I didn't get the sense that Ridley claimed #1 or #2. That said, I know I read somewhere that the Boulevard was finally funded (but an Oklahoman editorial shortly after that mentioned that the funding for it wasn't going to be "in hand" until 2 years AFTER the scheduled completion of the Boulevard (presuming that anticipated revenue increases hold). I didn't fully understand how that could be, since it is my understanding that ODOT can't bid anything out until they have the money "in hand".

I just hope it can somehow be narrowed to 4 lanes. Something like Reno with 4 lanes and a planted median, with parallel parking even, would be nice in my opinion. It would save money as well.

I know I read somewhere that the Boulevard was finally funded (but an Oklahoman editorial shortly after that mentioned that the funding for it wasn't going to be "in hand" until 2 years AFTER the scheduled completion of the Boulevard (presuming that anticipated revenue increases hold). I didn't fully understand how that could be, since it is my understanding that ODOT can't bid anything out until they have the money "in hand".

It seems like within 5 to 10 years of any limit to a budget a way to creatively finance a project will have been found.

As promised in another thread... These pictures were taken on Thursday (7/28/11). I've tried to show how visible downtown will be from the new I-40. The new highway actually doesn't feel that "sunken" when your on the pavement IMHO.

View looking NE of downtown from the new Penn. Ave. bridge over the new I-40 alignment
http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/2641/dscf2299f.jpg

View looking SW of Penn. Ave. bridge over the new railroad alignment with partial paint
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/7269/dscf2300eo.jpg

Downtown view from I-40 between Penn. and Exchange Ave. bridges
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/7030/dscf2301c.jpg

Downtown view from I-40 between Exchange and Western Ave. bridges
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/6636/dscf2302z.jpg

View looking East of Western Ave. over new I-40
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/7290/dscf2303z.jpg

View looking East of Walker Ave. over new I-40 and railroad
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/5426/dscf2304l.jpg

View looking North(ish) at Union station the "O K L A" (which will spell out Oklahoma City when complete) are cast into the retaining wall and visible but I guess just won't stand out until they've been painted
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/8029/dscf2305m.jpg

View looking North of ramp construction on the Robinson Ave. bridge
http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/5141/dscf2306m.jpg

View looking East of Shields Blvd. over I-40
http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/2806/dscf2307i.jpg

View looking East, the Skydance Bridge will be constructed in the space between my camera and the first bridge in this photo
http://img813.imageshack.us/img813/930/dscf2308.jpg

Nice pics jonno,Thanks for the nice update!

jonno: thanks for the pics. Did you happen to notice if the Boathouse Row will be visible from the relocated I-40 (as suggested over in the other thread)? How about the Landrun Monument?

Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it that far east. I have been over that way in the past. The picture in the other thread does highlight a problem. The rebar the picture was shot through was for a future barrier wall. What's visible in the shot is the lower rebar. Before it will be poured additional rebar will be added that will make that barrier slightly taller. I fear the Landrun Monument will only be visible from the outer westbound lanes because that area is also in a curve and the roadway is superelevated (banked) at that location. I will try and confirm this soon and post and updated photo. Hopefully I'm wrong.

Thanks again, you are saying the same thing that I was trying to point out over in the other thread. As I said over there, even the shorter, regular concrete barricades that are on the edges of the road/dividers can block easily block any view and I drive a F-150.

View looking East of Western Ave. over new I-40
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/7290/dscf2303z.jpg

Really? They put nicer infrastructure everywhere else along I-40, but there still using the same kind of camera tower. I guess three poles bolted together is cheaper than one pole.

I wonder when they will turn it on? It would be nice if we could watch the progress.

It is a double edged sword really. If you can't see the statues from the highway the area around the statues should be quieter as the barriers will somewhat act like a sound wall. If you can see the statues from the highway you'll be able to hear the highway from the statues. Doesn't really make for a intimate atmosphere as concrete pavements generally produce a lot of noise (more than asphalt). Although I'm not really sure of the type of atmosphere they're hoping for around the statues.

Link to the ODOT website:

http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/newsmedia/press/2011/11-043_last_contract_for_mainline_i40_crosstown_align ment_gets_approval.pdf

The last paving contract has been awarded for $32 million. It will be for the area east of Western and west of Lincoln.

Just wondering why is it so expensive? How many workers are there? How many hours do they work on it? Hourly wages? Cost of concrete? It just seem that city/state projects always cost millions/billions and not the logical route of thousands.

Just wondering why is it so expensive? How many workers are there? How many hours do they work on it? Hourly wages? Cost of concrete? It just seem that city/state projects always cost millions/billions and not the logical route of thousands.

Thunder, thousands are what you spend when you repave your driveway at your house, not what it costs to build a major urban freeway.

Awesome!! We might be driving on the I-40 by Feb.-Mar. That would be AMAZING! I HATE driving down the current crosstown!

Awesome!! We might be driving on the I-40 by Feb.-Mar. That would be AMAZING! I HATE driving down the current crosstown!

... but the current one gives something to be excited about when traffic is just backed up for a normal reason and not a 5 foot hole has developed.

Just wondering why is it so expensive? How many workers are there? How many hours do they work on it? Hourly wages? Cost of concrete? It just seem that city/state projects always cost millions/billions and not the logical route of thousands.
Originally=$236 million, relocation completed by 2008 with Boulevard completed by 2010
Currently= $755 million+, relocation completed by 2012 with Boulevard completed by 2014 (but actual funding for the $85MM Boulevard wont be "in hand" until 2016, 2 years after it is supposed to be open).

It is costing about triple what they originally said by the time they add in the Boulevard cost (originally part of the project but now separate). Also a few years behind schedule for various reasons (federal funding snags & legal challenges etc).

Originally=$236 million, relocation completed by 2008 with Boulevard completed by 2010
Currently= $755 million+, relocation completed by 2012 with Boulevard completed by 2014 (but actual funding for the $85MM Boulevard wont be "in hand" until 2016, 2 years after it is supposed to be open).

It is costing about triple what they originally said by the time they add in the Boulevard cost (originally part of the project but now separate). Also a few years behind schedule for various reasons (federal funding snags & legal challenges etc).


Larry, I happen to agree with you on this issue. ODOT and Oklahoma in general seem to be very poor in estimating construction costs and timelines. Rediculous costs and time for 4.5 miles of highway. Washington DC does much better than that and its an urban jungle with construction (widening etc) while traffic is still on the roadway

I can't wait to drive on this!!!! Sitting in traffic on 44 and 40 for miles at a time, only to see NOTHING causing it drives me INSANE! But so far, I don't see anything that resembles the location of an express lane. Did they toss that idea and just open it up for all 6 lanes?

Larry, I happen to agree with you on this issue. ODOT and Oklahoma in general seem to be very poor in estimating construction costs and timelines. Rediculous costs and time for 4.5 miles of highway. Washington DC does much better than that and its an urban jungle with construction (widening etc) while traffic is still on the roadway
LOL
One of the ODOT documents indicated this process began 13 years ago, back in 1998! Timing can easily be put back on the Feds though as they are the primary source of funding. We are seeing the same thing happening here that we saw with the Fort Smith Junction reworking a few years ago. That project drug out over at least 10 years and it was due to the piecemeal method of funding.

Awesome!! We might be driving on the I-40 by Feb.-Mar. That would be AMAZING! I HATE driving down the current crosstown!

Where did you see that? Last I read, ODOT said we would likely be driving on it by summer of 2012.

Don't know where he saw it, but I saw it in Tuesday's Oklahoman. headline read "Crosstown Expressway could be ready in April".

Construction is expected to begin in a couple of months. The work is projected to take 240 days, but it could be finished sooner than that.
If work begins in October that means completion by end of April, then there is a $25K/day incentive for completing in less than that. So it is a possibility?

Link to the ODOT website:

http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/newsmedia/press/2011/11-043_last_contract_for_mainline_i40_crosstown_align ment_gets_approval.pdf

The last paving contract has been awarded for $32 million. It will be for the area east of Western and west of Lincoln.

It can't be the last paving contract. The westbound bridge over Agnew still has yet to be built. All you see now is the eastbound lanes and the one lane eastbound bridge to connect into the new future boulevard.


Originally=$236 million, relocation completed by 2008 with Boulevard completed by 2010
Currently= $755 million+, relocation completed by 2012 with Boulevard completed by 2014 (but actual funding for the $85MM Boulevard wont be "in hand" until 2016, 2 years after it is supposed to be open).

It is costing about triple what they originally said by the time they add in the Boulevard cost (originally part of the project but now separate). Also a few years behind schedule for various reasons (federal funding snags & legal challenges etc).

Larry, how bout we take a $250 million freeway and trade it for a $755 million convention center?! ;-)


I can't wait to drive on this!!!! Sitting in traffic on 44 and 40 for miles at a time, only to see NOTHING causing it drives me INSANE! But so far, I don't see anything that resembles the location of an express lane. Did they toss that idea and just open it up for all 6 lanes?

They haven't painted lanes down yet. In the old renderings, I believe there was a barrier wall, but I'm probably thinking they'll do a "thru traffic only" lane and have it divided by either those plastic bumps or a double line. That's just my guess though.

It can't be the last paving contract. The westbound bridge over Agnew still has yet to be built. All you see now is the eastbound lanes and the one lane eastbound bridge to connect into the new future boulevard.


That may have been included in another contract. I think they will start that bridge once Penn is open and the ramps at Agnew can be closed.

As much as I like rail travel, it will be fun to drive on that! Or even better on a motorcycle for that matter.

I can't wait to drive on this!!!! Sitting in traffic on 44 and 40 for miles at a time, only to see NOTHING causing it drives me INSANE! But so far, I don't see anything that resembles the location of an express lane. Did they toss that idea and just open it up for all 6 lanes?

Is it really that bad to have a 5-10 minute tie-up in one spot on your way home, at rush hour?