::shakes fist at you:: Sometimes I ride both lanes to make your all's lives harder :lol2:
Seen that several times as well... and I typically drive around those "undefeated" as well. :lol2:

Shouts to everyone in the last 2-3 pages of this thread for reminding us why traffic jams and road rage occur.

What exactly do you get for winning at Interstate 235? Do you get a golden traffic cone to put on your mantle? Do the toll booths start to pay you instead? Dying to know.

Looks like by tomorrow morning, both EB and WB I-44 will be shifted away from the middle so that bridge piers can be built.

What exactly do you get for winning at Interstate 235? Do you get a golden traffic cone to put on your mantle? Do the toll booths start to pay you instead? Dying to know.

i don't drive this way but my guess is they would say 5 min a day if you are the merger ..... and just satisfaction if you are the blocker

i don't drive this way but my guess is they would say 5 min a day if you are the merger ..... and just satisfaction if you are the blocker

Not even a T-shirt? This is why we should fund transportation better.

Not even a T-shirt? This is why we should fund transportation better.
While I strongly agree that we should fund transportation better, I don't think people ignorant about zipper-merging and/or willfully uncooperative with zipper-mergers are among the most compelling reasons.

If anyone has not driven through here recently they won’t understand how enormous this project is. Massive work going on end to end and side to side and top to bottom. Above 235, at 235 and below 235 on 44. From 50th to 63rd. Its fascinating to see day to day.

And they’ve kept speed limit to at least 45 all project long. The last project (R/R and 50th) the speed was 35. Kudos to the contractor for keeping traffic flowing as good as can be expected. So many roads impacted too.

^

I'll get some new drone shots this weekend.

It's fun to follow these big projects, especially the ones that change rapidly.

^

I'll get some new drone shots this weekend.

It's fun to follow these big projects, especially the ones that change rapidly.

thank you and man it really is

it is cool to go back to the beginning of this thread and see the progression

^

I'll get some new drone shots this weekend.

It's fun to follow these big projects, especially the ones that change rapidly.

Thanks for your pics, love seeing them. I do wish they had a few live cams like last section had.

On this project there must be over 20-30 segment projects going on at same time. Each its own pod working alone yet in harmony with the others. Your pics help because even driving it every day its hard to see everything - have to focus on navigating the narrow lanes.

thank you and man it really is

it is cool to go back to the beginning of this thread and see the progression

Also, the first post in this thread was:

12-25-2010

Wow

There have been quite a few more spans hung since the last pictures, so there should be some nicely visible progress.

Just took these (open in new tab for hi-res):

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i235i44030620a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i235i44030620b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i235i44030620c.jpg

^^^

Great pictures Pete! Thanks

This project is 1 mile long and its quite amazing to see it day by day. That 235n to 44w flyover is up there in the air. The only worry with flyovers is icy winter roads and winds. I wonder if they install those automated deicers? I know they did some others in past and I think they failed so not sure if they do them any longer?

Great pics as always Pete!

One request, could you set up on the northeast and get some shots of what is happening in that quadrant back to Lincoln? Thanks!

Great pics as always Pete!

One request, could you set up on the northeast and get some shots of what is happening in that quadrant back to Lincoln? Thanks!

Thanks Pete.

Also, the first post in this thread was:

12-25-2010

Wow
I have been bitching about this intersection for over 9 years I guess. I'm glad we are nearing completion. It has been so long that I have moved and no longer deal with this intersection anymore.

Nice pics...thanks for sharing them! I know this is a crazy thought BUT what are the chances ODOT will provide some regional trees to plant in the open areas around the loops. If ODOT had the funds and some creative insight they would really, really make that area look beautiful. I know, I know....beautification of our highways isn't a priority. Dang it.

Nice pics...thanks for sharing them! I know this is a crazy thought BUT what are the chances ODOT will provide some regional trees to plant in the open areas around the loops. If ODOT had the funds and some creative insight they would really, really make that area look beautiful. I know, I know....beautification of our highways isn't a priority. Dang it.

The evaluation methods tend to have highway departments sees trees as fixed hazardous objects in a runoff area and depending on placement reducing site lines. Plus they are not likely going to want to do anything that increases yearly maintenance costs.

This is fully funded right? Cause budget cuts are coming next fiscal year

Right-click to open in new window/tab for hi-res version:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/23544031920a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/23544031920b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/23544031920c.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i235i44033120a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i235i44033120b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i235i44033120c.jpg

That lone, unconnected bridge on the right in all the pics...what is it's role?

That lone, unconnected bridge on the right in all the pics...what is it's role?

That will be the exit ramp for N I235 to E 44.

Will be much less of a turn on the current off ramp.

I could be very wrong but I believe that's eventually going to be part of the ramp that is used to get from NB I-235 to EB I-44.

Got it! Looks good.

I believe what they will do is construct the new offramp along the approximate path of the arrows, then demolish the old bridge over the creek (circled) and then build the new, wider version that is aligned with the approach lanes from the south:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i235i44033120d.jpg

Thanks for the update pete, with working remotely it is nice to still see progress

Maybe I missed it, but where is the south to east ramp?

Maybe I missed it, but where is the south to east ramp?

They will build a new larger radius cloverleaf outside the old one

Thanks for updates Pete.

Its a massive project with so many “pods” of work going on.

And its amazing to drive in rush hour and maintain 45-50 all the way through!

Is there a good viewing area where we can view the progress of the intersection?
Thanks!

Is there a good viewing area where we can view the progress of the intersection?
Thanks!

No, there is really nowhere other than driving through or flying a drone.

It's such a massive area, no easy way to get close other than driving on the highways.

Thanks for the aerials. Was wondering how they actually laid down bridge platforms and concrete for the overpasses.

No, there is really nowhere other than driving through or flying a drone.
It's such a massive area, no easy way to get close other than driving on the highways.

Actually there is one pretty good spot. Try the south parking lot at the Paragon building (59th and Robinson). Sits up pretty well and you can see a lot.

No, there is really nowhere other than driving through or flying a drone.

It's such a massive area, no easy way to get close other than driving on the highways.

Thank you, Pete. I just wish the time slows down to 0.01x when I'm driving through every day. :cool: But, we are glad to be able to view your drone pictures.

I wonder what goes through minds of the powers in the state that be and OkDOT officials when they drive through the infrastructure 3 hours south. I live in Los Angeles with some incredible freeways and driving on the 635 I was blown away by it with the new reconstruction. Obviously nowhere in OKC warrants that, but every freeway in SoCal should be 28 lanes minimum with this setup and ROW should be preserved in OKC so these projects can happen in the future.

This will be a beautiful interchange regardless and I am impressed by it every time I drive through it. I am also very wowed by the new I-40 crosstown. Hopefully OKDOT keeps pushing the bar. I know our state is limited by lack of funding. I pray and hope the 2 trillion dollar infrastructure investment stimulus happens. Anyone here thinks it has a chance?

Actually there is one pretty good spot. Try the south parking lot at the Paragon building (59th and Robinson). Sits up pretty well and you can see a lot.

Thank you for the suggestion, Rover. Our office used to be at the Paragon building until a few years ago. I thought about that once, but I'm worried about security showing up next to my car.

Not a chance. There’s no money for it. Not to mention. It would be a huge win for democrats. The two trillion for Infrastructure went into rich folks pockets with the tax scam.

I wonder what goes through minds of the powers in the state that be and OkDOT officials when they drive through the infrastructure 3 hours south. I live in Los Angeles with some incredible freeways and driving on the 635 I was blown away by it with the new reconstruction. Obviously nowhere in OKC warrants that, but every freeway in SoCal should be 28 lanes minimum with this setup and ROW should be preserved in OKC so these projects can happen in the future.

This will be a beautiful interchange regardless and I am impressed by it every time I drive through it. I am also very wowed by the new I-40 crosstown. Hopefully OKDOT keeps pushing the bar. I know our state is limited by lack of funding. I pray and hope the 2 trillion dollar infrastructure investment stimulus happens. Anyone here thinks it has a chance?

If it does, OK would get the short end of the stick. We here always seem to get minimal federal money. It sucks, and I am not sure why.

If it does, OK would get the short end of the stick. We here always seem to get minimal federal money. It sucks, and I am not sure why.

Not sure what you mean by minimal, but it looks like OK gets a reasonable amount of money according to this:

https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/fta-allocations-formula-and-discretionary-programs-state-fy-1998-2020-excel

Also, according to this, we get 61% of our transportation budget from the feds:

http://t4america.org/maps-tools/fiscal-cliff-report/table-1/

Not sure what you mean by minimal, but it looks like OK gets a reasonable amount of money according to this:

https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/fta-allocations-formula-and-discretionary-programs-state-fy-1998-2020-excel

Also, according to this, we get 61% of our transportation budget from the feds:

http://t4america.org/maps-tools/fiscal-cliff-report/table-1/

Given OKs immaculate highway system and roads, I do not think we get much from them. Either that, or our officials would manage to screw up whatever was given to us anyway.

Thank you for the suggestion, Rover. Our office used to be at the Paragon building until a few years ago. I thought about that once, but I'm worried about security showing up next to my car.

I live close so I swing by there about once a week to see progress. I've never been approached by security and I doubt that right now they want to go out and approach anyone. If I were pulling up close to the building itself and stay there a long time, maybe... but even then I doubt it.

I wonder what goes through minds of the powers in the state that be and OkDOT officials when they drive through the infrastructure 3 hours south. I live in Los Angeles with some incredible freeways and driving on the 635 I was blown away by it with the new reconstruction. Obviously nowhere in OKC warrants that, but every freeway in SoCal should be 28 lanes minimum with this setup and ROW should be preserved in OKC so these projects can happen in the future.

This will be a beautiful interchange regardless and I am impressed by it every time I drive through it. I am also very wowed by the new I-40 crosstown. Hopefully OKDOT keeps pushing the bar. I know our state is limited by lack of funding. I pray and hope the 2 trillion dollar infrastructure investment stimulus happens. Anyone here thinks it has a chance?

Before or after the 2 trillion dollar Covid-19 bailout package? The deficient this year will easily be 6 trillion.

Before or after the 2 trillion dollar Covid-19 bailout package? The deficient this year will easily be 6 trillion.
I was thinking more along the lines if the infrastructure package worth 2 trillion is passed if/when we recover which could be in a year or two those returning funds would be stacked on top of the new funding provided there is no reallocating which happens far too much.

This is the vantage point from the Paragon Building parking lot:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i235i44041220a.jpg

This is the vantage point from the Paragon Building parking lot:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i235i44041220a.jpg

Your drone was a great investment lol

Your drone was a great investment lol

Haha... Yeah, no kidding.

Pete, if you get a chance I know it’s a bit out of the way but the new section of I-40 east of mid west city is pretty impressive along with a fairly nice sized interchange for the Kickapoo Turnpike.

This is the vantage point from the Paragon Building parking lot:

Thank you, Pete. After Rover's suggestion, I tried this vantage point the other day. But, it didn't feel that great when compared to your drone pictures. I think I would stick to your drone pictures. :)

You can see the old southbound bridge over the creek has been stripped. Will be interesting to see how they rebuild it for the new alignment.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i23444041820a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i23444041820b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i23444041820c.jpg

Interesting that they have hung the beams over I-44 for one of the flyovers. Did they close the interstate for that, and it just hasn't mattered as much because of the virus situation?

Pete, they will take out the entire old bridge once they complete the NB to EB ramp. According to the drawings, it will be a twin (more or less) of the new span immediately west.

Pete, they will take out the entire old bridge once they complete the NB to EB ramp. According to the drawings, it will be a twin (more or less) of teh new span immediately west.

Thanks. That makes sense.

Thanks for the pics. Its a massively large project and driving thru its not easy to look at everything either due to focus on narrow lanes. Lots of drivers go over the center line. Your pics help me see clearly that I only get ground view on

Interesting that they have hung the beams over I-44 for one of the flyovers. Did they close the interstate for that, and it just hasn't mattered as much because of the virus situation?

No, they haven't closed. They shifted both the east & westbound lanes to the north for a few days and shifted both of them to the south later.

What's gonna be accomplished during next weekends closure?

What's gonna be accomplished during next weekends closure?

Next 'Off Broadway' I-235 weekend full closure set for May 1-May 4
The I-235/I-44 Off Broadway project in Oklahoma City will have its second act full weekend closure starting Friday, May 1, to allow the contractor to safely hang new bridge beams over I-235. This will be the second of possibly five full interstate closures this year for the up to $105 million interchange reconstruction.

Northbound and southbound I-235/US-77 will be closed between N. 36th St. and N. 63rd St. The closure will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, May 1, after the evening rush-hour and the interstate is expected to reopen no later than 6 a.m. Monday, May 4, weather permitting, but with the possibility of opening earlier if work completes.

Motorists also can expect the following ramps to be CLOSED during this period:

Eastbound I-44 ramp to northbound I-235/US-77;
Westbound I-44 ramp to southbound I-235/US-77;
Southbound I-235/US-77 from N. 63rd St.;
Southbound I-235/US-77 to eastbound I-44;
Northbound I-235/US-77 ramp to N. 50th St.;
Northbound I-235/US-77 ramp to eastbound I-44;
Northbound I-235/US-77 ramp to westbound I-44; and
Northbound I-235/US-77 ramp to N. 63rd St.
The following movements will remain OPEN during this period:

Southbound I-235/US-77 ramp to westbound I-44;
Westbound I-44 ramp to northbound US-77/Broadway Ext. and to N. 63rd St.,
Westbound I-44 ramp from N. Lincoln Blvd.; and
Eastbound I-44 ramp to southbound I-235/US-77.
While some movements connecting to I-44 and southbound I-235 will remain open, it's essential that motorists know their alternate routes to destinations in this area ahead of time to limit possible travel delays. Other detour routes include: I-35, I-40, SH-74/Lake Hefner Parkway, N. Lincoln Blvd. and Martin Luther King Ave./Eastern Ave.

Even when I-235/US-77 reopens for the morning rush-hour commute to two lanes of travel in each direction, the corridor will remain narrow with little room to maneuver. Additional lane closures and traffic shifts will continue to occur throughout 2020 as lanes are added and the construction contract allows up to three additional complete interstate closures for a weekend each time after this one. Those potential closures will be announced as information becomes available.

Stay tuned to the department's Twitter and Facebook pages @OKDOT for updated lane closure information as the project progresses.

https://www.ok.gov/odot/I-235_I-44_interchange.html