Beams over I-235, I assume those must be for the NB to WB flyover.

Beams over I-235, I assume those must be for the NB to WB flyover.

Correct.

Since they've done stuff they've already done due to low traffic, seems like the weekend work could be done quickly

Since they've done stuff they've already done due to low traffic, seems like the weekend work could be done quickly

Hope so. Every day past 2 weeks traffic counts are slowly increasing. Rush this afternoon was way busier than it has been (but nowhere near normal). More and more are driving in rush hour I assume those are jobs being driven to.

Yeah I-35 was at the typical standstill today during rush hour so it looks like things are beginning to pick back up.

From ODOT's twitter page:

OKC: I-235 #OffBroadway crews completed hanging new bridge beams over I-235 almost a day ahead of schedule and are tracking to reopen NB and SB I-235 during the overnight hours. The WB I-44 ramp to SB I-235/US-77 will remain closed until Sunday night for surface work to complete.

From ODOT's twitter page:

OKC: I-235 #OffBroadway crews completed hanging new bridge beams over I-235 almost a day ahead of schedule and are tracking to reopen NB and SB I-235 during the overnight hours. The WB I-44 ramp to SB I-235/US-77 will remain closed until Sunday night for surface work to complete.

Thought they'd be early on this round...

Seems like getting the bridges functional will get the project towards completion, until they start the big bridge over 44

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i234i44050320a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i234i44050320b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i234i44050320c.jpg

Cool pics thanks for taking time to send up the drone. Its hard to see even driving thru daily. Here’s what it looked like beforehand

16030

^ Night and day difference. This will go a long way to improving OKC's infrastructure needs for the foreseeable future.

Thanks Pete for the updates.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i234i44050320b.jpg



Love the pics, as always, Pete. This one especially is spectacular. Thanks a lot!!!

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i234i44050320a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i234i44050320b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i234i44050320c.jpg

Replying with all pictures quoted so that they're on the new page.

I find it slightly odd looking that the middle section of the NB to WB cloverleaf only has two beams in parallel instead of the three that the rest of it has, but maybe that comes from those being steel beams instead of the concrete beams that the rest of it has.

Does anybody know if they are constructing this with in mind they might have to create a flyover for southbound->eastbound & westbound -> southbound in the future? It doesn't seem like there will be a whole lot of space to work with.

Replying with all pictures quoted so that they're on the new page.

I find it slightly odd looking that the middle section of the NB to WB cloverleaf only has two beams in parallel instead of the three that the rest of it has, but maybe that comes from those being steel beams instead of the concrete beams that the rest of it has.

Those bridge spans seem much wider than the concrete, probably justifying the steel for added rigidity over that distance.

^ Night and day difference. This will go a long way to improving OKC's infrastructure needs for the foreseeable future.

Thanks Pete for the updates.

I think there's one more flyover needed, WB I-44 to SB I-235 Downtown. :)

Then we'll have a proper 5-stack.

I wish we had a time lapse from one of those drone locations up above the project .

Does anybody know if they are constructing this with in mind they might have to create a flyover for southbound->eastbound & westbound -> southbound in the future? It doesn't seem like there will be a whole lot of space to work with.

There aren't any immediate plans to do either of those flyovers. Not in the 8-Year plan.

There aren't any immediate plans to do either of those flyovers. Not in the 8-Year plan.
If they were in the plan, will there be space to add them?

If they were in the plan, will there be space to add them?

IMO, definitely no for the SB to EB ramp. That office building in the NW corner really prevents much else happening. You might be able to get creative with a WB to SB ramp, but I don't know if the traffic volume warrants it.

You can see they are getting close to finishing the NBi235 to EBi44 off-ramp, which will then allow them to demolish and rebuild what was the old NBi235 bridge over the creek.

Then, they'll have to construct a new, parallel bridge over i44 for the northboud lanes.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i235i44050920a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i235i44050920b.jpg

IMO, definitely no for the SB to EB ramp. That office building in the NW corner really prevents much else happening. You might be able to get creative with a WB to SB ramp, but I don't know if the traffic volume warrants it.

Into downtown?? I'd think it'd be warranted, particularly given that really small existing row.

Into downtown?? I'd think it'd be warranted, particularly given that really small existing row.

WB to SB seems is more structurally set up to catch medium length local use, if a person is going to downtown from i44/i35 before they split it is more direct to take i35, plus for non-local drivers the sign for downtown indicates staying on i35. On normal days it will likely be used from people entering on 44 after it split from i35 or going to somewhere easier accessed by i235. Which is consistent with traffic flow I have seen around lunch/evening over the last decade, it having noticeably less use than any of the other of that junction's loops.

Granted with major renovation and some widening being done on i35 north of i40 over the next few years, once this junction's construction is finished it may get some percentage of people avoiding at least part of i35 construction.

You can see they are getting close to finishing the NBi235 to EBi44 off-ramp, which will then allow them to demolish and rebuild what was the old NBi235 bridge over the creek.

Then, they'll have to construct a new, parallel bridge over i44 for the northboud lanes.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i235i44050920a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i235i44050920b.jpg

How fast do you think the east cloverleafs will be abandoned for the new bridges? They are in the way of the northbound Broadway. the 44e to North Broadway looks like like it could be ready before the other one, but seems apparent the off ramps will be done before they send new bridge traffic on Broadway over 44

As soon as they can, I imagine. There's no way they aren't blocked from building the rest of the interchange while those two cloverleafs are still in use.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/23544051620a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/23544051620b.jpg

Some new sections will need to open soon and old sections demolished so more of the new can be built ...love the progress

In that bottom picture the spur on the right that I assume will be 235n to 44e seems too straight. If they curve it quickly to go under the ramp it seems they will need to make it sharper? It seems the curve should have already been started? Maybe its too early to tell but I’m trying to figure out which ramp section it will go under and why not have the curve start earlier?

It almost seems as if they realized it and you can see the concrete goes straight but then maybe they realized and started making asphalt curve to the top/right of concrete?

In that bottom picture the spur on the right that I assume will be 235n to 44e seems too straight. If they curve it quickly to go under the ramp it seems they will need to make it sharper? It seems the curve should have already been started? Maybe its too early to tell but I’m trying to figure out which ramp section it will go under and why not have the curve start earlier?

It almost seems as if they realized it and you can see the concrete goes straight but then maybe they realized and started making asphalt curve to the top/right of concrete?

https://i.gyazo.com/288297762a8cb5e716a5b331c8546e5d.jpg

Blue is the permanent alignment, red is temporary. They are building an asphalt diversion to the old ramp under the new flyover. This will allow them to demolish the old main bridge to the left. And will allow them to build the permanent alignment under the adjacent bridge span without traffic.

See this image:
https://i.gyazo.com/361110e2d2e04baa65b7fcca66433ecd.png

^^

Thanks. In the rendering the curve seems fine. In the live picture it seems like the curve will be very sharp to make the corner so to speak. Might just be angle.

Also, in the rendering I can now see they will build the eastern n235 over 44 span first and it lines up with pillar anchors seen in the live shot.

^^

Thanks. In the rendering the curve seems fine. In the live picture it seems like the curve will be very sharp to make the corner so to speak. Might just be angle.

Also, in the rendering I can now see they will build the eastern n235 over 44 span first and it lines up with pillar anchors seen in the live shot.

In the design document, shown directly from overhead, the curves look to be much smoother than the exit it replaces

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/23544051620a.jpg

Ok, trying to figure out how this is going look when done and what else needs to be completed, so, pardon my ignorance and correct me if I am wrong.

The current North and south bound lanes are going to be on the south bound, the current exit ramp will be demolished and a new bridge built in its place. The current 235 over 44 will be for the south bound and west side cloverleafs and the north bound will be over the new section to the east. I would assume the north bound traffic would go to the right of the pillar that is next to the old north bound section.

Did I get all that right? Sorry, this interchange is getting pretty complex.

Also, are they going to tear down the old 235 bridge over 44 once the new one is built to expand that?

Ok, trying to figure out how this is going look when done and what else needs to be completed, so, pardon my ignorance and correct me if I am wrong.

The current North and south bound lanes are going to be on the south bound, the current exit ramp will be demolished and a new bridge built in its place. The current 235 over 44 will be for the south bound and west side cloverleafs and the north bound will be over the new section to the east. I would assume the north bound traffic would go to the right of the pillar that is next to the old north bound section.

Did I get all that right? Sorry, this interchange is getting pretty complex.

Also, are they going to tear down the old 235 bridge over 44 once the new one is built to expand that?

IIRC they are going to tear down the old 235 bridge over 44.

South of the ramps the new bridge where the current N/S lanes are on where the distributor lanes will be, which cuts down on how much merging and exiting will be done from the main southbound lanes and allows breakdown lanes on the main lines through most of the junction. The bridge for the mainline southbound lanes has not started yet.

Ok, trying to figure out how this is going look when done and what else needs to be completed, so, pardon my ignorance and correct me if I am wrong.

The current North and south bound lanes are going to be on the south bound, the current exit ramp will be demolished and a new bridge built in its place. The current 235 over 44 will be for the south bound and west side cloverleafs and the north bound will be over the new section to the east. I would assume the north bound traffic would go to the right of the pillar that is next to the old north bound section.

Did I get all that right? Sorry, this interchange is getting pretty complex.

Also, are they going to tear down the old 235 bridge over 44 once the new one is built to expand that?

In the picture you quoted if you look at the current n/s 235 over 44 bridges - then look to the right - you will see bases being built on both sides(n/s) and in middle of 44. Those are the foundations for the north bound new 235 bridge.

My guess is they finish that first then move traffic over to it and somehow keep 2 lanes both ways and then tear down existing bridge and build south new bridge.

The northbound bridge deck will start pretty soon. They can't link it to traffic though until those two flyover ramps are done and traffic is shifted to them. There is a lot of work remaining for EB to NB flyover.

The northbound bridge deck will start pretty soon. They can't link it to traffic though until those two flyover ramps are done and traffic is shifted to them. There is a lot of work remaining for EB to NB flyover.

Correct. And from the picture they will need to finish 235n to 44e ramp. Then once done and that traffic moved they can close current 44e ramp and start getting the concrete road poured - from just left of new 44e ramp starting point to the soon to be new 235n over 44 bridge. One can see the path the new 235n needs to take to line up with new bridge and the only thing in way is the existing 44e ramp.

Its cool looking at these pics and seeing how it comes together bit by bit

Are there any renderings or schematics someone could point me to? ODOT's website is not the easiest to navigate.

Are there any renderings or schematics someone could point me to? ODOT's website is not the easiest to navigate.

https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=24127&p=387331#post387331

^Appreciate it!

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i235i44052320a.jpg

I remember at the beginning of this project, they said there would be five weekend closings. We’ve already had two. What would the next three be for? I expect the demo of the original N/S bridge over 44, but couldn’t figure out what else.

install of new N bound I-235 span

Looks like they transitioned over to the new north to eastbound off ramp.

Looks like they transitioned over to the new north to eastbound off ramp.

yes they have and they already started demoing the north bound bridge

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i235i44061120a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i235i44061120b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i235i44061120c.jpg

Thanks as always pete for the updates. cant wait to see it in person. i love stuff like this.

It is interesting that eastbound 44 to northbound 235 seems to have priority in resource allocation, since one end it gets connected to still has a lot of work before it will be done, where the other flyover already has both ends it connects to completed

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i235i44062120b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i235i44062120a.jpg

Great shots Pete. Next time you are out there, can you grab a shot of the new northbound 50th St exit ramp back to Santa Fe? Curious as to how they are handling access to the businesses.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i235i44062120b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/i235i44062120a.jpg

That second shot really shows how not acquiring the office building on the northwest really screws up the interchange.

That second shot really shows how not acquiring the office building on the northwest really screws up the interchange.

in what way??

in what way??

The only way I can think of is in the future it's going to be nearly impossible to create a southbound to east bound fly over because of it.

As far as the current project, I don't see how the office building impedes traffic at all.

Its nice how 63rd is getting dedicated ramps to/from I-44 so you don't have to deal with I-235.

The only way I can think of is in the future it's going to be nearly impossible to create a southbound to east bound fly over because of it.

As far as the current project, I don't see how the office building impedes traffic at all.

there will never be a reason for a south to east flyover

there will never be a reason for a south to east flyoverSafety and standards are two reasons. TxDOT builds flyover galore whereas many other states would side with you and say “there’s no reason to build a flyover for this ramp.” This entire interchange should be entirely direct connects as should every other urban interchange.

Even Amarillo is planned to have multiple five stacks. It’s simply about money and an underfunded infrastructure Oklahoma sadly sees. I

Another reason this office building should have been demoed would be to straighten the freeway where it is curved but it isn’t that big of an issue since it would still curve further north. Judging by interchanges built in Texas, japan, and China, there is a way to build all direct connects here it just wouldn’t be cheap. The engineering exists.

Drove through this two times day. Amazing progress since the last time I saw it. There was a convoy of trucks delivering bridge spans for I assume the northbound i-235 bridge.

i too can't see a reason for a I-235 S to I-44 E flyover, the demand just isnt ever gonna justify it.

But I can see a reason for I-44 W to I-235 S flyover to Downtown Oklahoma City. This should have been included IMO in the original plan as although I-35 S is signed with downtown OKC directions at I-44, the most direct route (and should be the main route) is actually I-235 S, so this provides an alternative. Consider rush hours as the NE quarter continues to grow and the events that create crush crowds, this flyover is an opportunity missed that should (and would have) been fulfilled in other major cities.

But I can see a reason for I-44 W to I-235 S flyover to Downtown Oklahoma City. This should have been included IMO in the original plan as although I-35 S is signed with downtown OKC directions at I-44, the most direct route (and should be the main route) is actually I-235 S, so this provides an alternative. Consider rush hours as the NE quarter continues to grow and the events that create crush crowds, this flyover is an opportunity missed that should (and would have) been fulfilled in other major cities.
Yep, that's the one I'm surprised they didn't include.

i too can't see a reason for a I-235 S to I-44 E flyover, the demand just isnt ever gonna justify it.


Have you ever been through there during AM rush hour? That is THE way for Edmond traffic to get to Lincoln and the State offices. The demand and justification are there today.

i too can't see a reason for a I-235 S to I-44 E flyover, the demand just isnt ever gonna justify it.

But I can see a reason for I-44 W to I-235 S flyover to Downtown Oklahoma City. This should have been included IMO in the original plan as although I-35 S is signed with downtown OKC directions at I-44, the most direct route (and should be the main route) is actually I-235 S, so this provides an alternative. Consider rush hours as the NE quarter continues to grow and the events that create crush crowds, this flyover is an opportunity missed that should (and would have) been fulfilled in other major cities.

After being a part of the area all my life I find it hard to say one bridge is more justified than the other. You build out the highway regardless of what the demand is, make it look complete and practical, because the demand may not currently be there but it could increase over time.

There needs to be at least 1 flyover between south>east & west>south because the 2 cloverleafs sharing 1 merge lane is gonna cause a bottleneck issue heading south. I think they should have built both as flyovers, especially since we have no idea what the city will look like 20/30 years from now. The demand CURRENTLY would justify, let alone the future.