The interchanges are both roughly 50/60 years old, the i44/i235 interchange is the last section being done in the renovation of i235/Broadway Extension. They both need work, among other areas.

How can anything with I-235 be 50-60 years old? Was not finally finished back in '89, which would make it closer to 23 years old? The I-240 interchange has been a nightmare a lot longer than that.

You have GOT to be kidding me..
I love working downtown, but this junction is the SOLE reason I would consider NOT working downtown.

I love working downtown, and this junction is the sole reason I would not consider living north of I-44.

How can anything with I-235 be 50-60 years old? Was not finally finished back in '89, which would make it closer to 23 years old? The I-240 interchange has been a nightmare a lot longer than that.

The section between 36th and i35 was finished until 89 but the rest of the mainline route was build decades before, granted most everything but that interchange has been widened over the last 20 years, part of why that interchange needs upgraded.

How can anything with I-235 be 50-60 years old? Was not finally finished back in '89, which would make it closer to 23 years old? The I-240 interchange has been a nightmare a lot longer than that.

Broadway extension and I-44 has been there quite a few years, I believe that is the reference here, not I-235.

Is I-235 not the Broadway Extension?

Is I-235 not the Broadway Extension?

Yes and no

Between i35 and 36th is Centennial Expressway, 77 & i235
Between 36th and i44 is both Broadway Extension, 77 & i235
Between i44 and Edmond is Broadway Extension & 77

I love working downtown, and this junction is the sole reason I would not consider living north of I-44.

This.

Plus, There's always I-35 or Lake Hefner Parkway to 40 or NW 10th. No suicide ramps and generally more free flowing traffic on both routes.

How can anything with I-235 be 50-60 years old? Was not finally finished back in '89, which would make it closer to 23 years old? The I-240 interchange has been a nightmare a lot longer than that.

Yes, Broadway Ext. north of 36th has been there at least since the 60's when my mother used to drive it to attend classes at Central State (now UCO).

Just think back not so many years when it was still the original four lane highway all the way to Edmond.

I still remember the old 4 lanes from when I was a kid in the 1980s. I remember how bumpy it was!

It was pretty rough. I think it was the original asphalt from the 60s too!

Exactly, the new interchange at Hwy 75 and Sam Rayburn Tollway (Hwy 121) took a bit over 2 years to completely redo, but it all fairness, the contractors (Sinacola) had a massive army of men and machine on site. That's what it takes, and I suspect enough $$$$ up front to make it worth to a Contractor to 'get after it'.

Here are two pictures I took on my iPhone of the new ramp to I-44 westbound. Doesn't give the full perspective, but it will give an idea at what it'll look like.

12431244

We moved to Edmond in 1963 and the Broadway Extension/I-44 interchange was in place at that time. Broadway Extension south of the interchange was a two lane road that merged into Santa Fe, just north of 50th St. There was no highway south of that interchange. I am not sure when that leg of Broadway Extension was built. Of course Broadway Extension north of Britton Rd was also a two lane highway.

We moved to Edmond in 1963 and the Broadway Extension/I-44 interchange was in place at that time. Broadway Extension south of the interchange was a two lane road that merged into Santa Fe, just north of 50th St. There was no highway south of that interchange. I am not sure when that leg of Broadway Extension was built. Of course Broadway Extension north of Britton Rd was also a two lane highway.

That leg of Broadway Extension was completed in 1989 and was signed as I-235, also coined the Centennial Expressway (OKC 1889-1989).

That leg of Broadway Extension was completed in 1989 and was signed as I-235, also coined the Centennial Expressway (OKC 1889-1989).

Ah, that sounds like a fitting way to commemorate a century of OKC...with a new freeway (at that time at least).

Does it seems possible that they might reconsider changing those cloverleafs to flyovers? I know it is as longshot, but that would make this interchange 1000 more times worth the wait.

Does it seems possible that they might reconsider changing those cloverleafs to flyovers? I know it is as longshot, but that would make this interchange 1000 more times worth the wait.

not enough room .. and the cloverleafs that remain will be 100 times better than the ones now .... they will be bigger (higher speed) .. and they will not merge strait into mainline traffic

not enough room .. and the cloverleafs that remain will be 100 times better than the ones now .... they will be bigger (higher speed) .. and they will not merge strait into mainline traffic

I am pretty sure they said it was considered and there was enough space, the issue was cost and even though this solution does have a lower capacity relative to fly overs it would handle the volume well enough.

Well the cloverleafs they are putting in, are much different in how they integrate. They are larger in their circumfrance for one thing. And because they other direction has a flyover, the traffic shouldn't have to cross. So in theory, even though there is a cloverleaf on two sides, we shouldn't see any of the issues

Well the cloverleafs they are putting in, are much different in how they integrate. They are larger in their circumfrance for one thing. And because they other direction has a flyover, the traffic shouldn't have to cross. So in theory, even though there is a cloverleaf on two sides, we shouldn't see any of the issues

It also is only using a cloverleaf on the lowest volume paths and removes all the duel entry/exit zones from the mainlines.

Another video today of the new southbound to westbound ramp:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYvMb2hJssU

I recall we are mutual admirers of that particular skyline vantage point.

It still seems strange that parts of the i235/Broadway Extension widening project will be halfway to needing resurfacing by the time they finish the entire length.

I thought this article was pretty interesting.

http://newsok.com/patience-needed-as-i-44-junction-work-advances-in-oklahoma-city/article/3687152

Interesting indeed. I loved how they talked about, if they could have they would have just shut the thing down completely so they could get it done faster but due to traffic counts, they just couldn't do that. Yet one wonders how all of that traffic made it before Broadway was built. Yes, I understand that before it was built traffic counts were less, but the point is there are alternative routes. They even allude to it as their solution:

Angier said completion of all seven phases of the project is expected to take 10 years or longer and cost more than $200 million.
In the meantime, the best thing motorists can do is avoid the intersection, she said.
“We're going to have to partner with each other, the public and the department, to really go through these next few years,” she said. “We understand it's inconvenient, but we wouldn't be there if the need wasn't there.”

So, we are supposed to avoid the area for the next 10 years (or more), when if they could have closed it down completely and cut the time down in half or less??? These folks crack me up!

I understand that the state doesn't allow the use of bond sales to fund road construction, but mother of god, this interchange is going to take 10 years to complete?!?! What a disappointment.

Yeah, I don't think that even if they closed the interchange down, that $200 million could be appropriated in a timely fashion.

I really think thatif they just put alot of effort and devoted themselves to just getting the damn thing done, I bet it could take about 4 years. And heck, if they need to just shut it down when times are neccesary.

It still seems strange that parts of the i235/Broadway Extension widening project will be halfway to needing resurfacing by the time they finish the entire length.

That is insane.

We like to complain about length of time to do things, but one thing you can appreciate, is that by waiting for the funding to roll in, we're not putting the state in debt for the projects. Unlike CA or even TX, a project in OK is done and paid for. We don't do it on a loan, and then have to owe interest on the project later....meaning you're always in the hole (pardon the pun). As frustrating as the length of time is, i'd rather not be in debt than get it done quickly.

We like to complain about length of time to do things, but one thing you can appreciate, is that by waiting for the funding to roll in, we're not putting the state in debt for the projects. Unlike CA or even TX, a project in OK is done and paid for. We don't do it on a loan, and then have to owe interest on the project later....meaning you're always in the hole (pardon the pun). As frustrating as the length of time is, i'd rather not be in debt than get it done quickly.

that is a solid point ..

Part of it too is where is the funding coming from? Isn't most of it coming from the Feds? If so, IIRC that was the reason given for the 10+ years to redo the Ft. Smith Junction. Because of Federal funding it got split up into different phases. Then some of it had to be re-done or altered to keep the semis from tipping over. Seems like there was one every week on the news...

On the other hand it might be cheaper to go ahead and borrow the money now and pay interest on it rather than wait 10 years when prices have doubled or tripled.

Thats a good point. I would love to see the difference in money to get a loan now + interest, then pay as you go as prices flux. I just don't understand how they can stare 10 years of construction of rising accidents in the face

Thats a good point. I would love to see the difference in money to get a loan now + interest, then pay as you go as prices flux. I just don't understand how they can stare 10 years of construction of rising accidents in the face

against state law to borrow

Explain please, the State borrows money all of the time through bond issues etc

I thought it was the city that did bonds...like the one voted on in 2007. Not aware that the state does them.

I thought it was the city that did bonds...like the one voted on in 2007. Not aware that the state does them.

Too bad we wasted so much money on that Indian Museum that will be unfinished instead of spending it on this road project to speed it up...

Seriously...just tax a roll of toilet paper eight cents and we'll have this thing paid for in no time.

You mention tax, but remember we didn't get that passed the last time one came around. There was a 5 cent gas tax proposal around 2006 or so. Gas was cheaper then, so everyone was all, "Oh no that's so pricey". Now it goes up 5 cents and we hardly notice. However, that 5 cents could have meant the world to transportation projects. And what better way to get a use tax than to directly link the usage to the user...the more you drive = the more you tear up the road = the more gas you get = the more you pay = the most desctructive vehicles, ie semi trucks, pay the most.

Thing are a lot of the "transportation" taxes that get diverted to other entities. If they kept all of the transportation taxes for transportation related things, they wouldn't need any increases. Of course those entities that are receiving them would need another source of funding. The problem with the tax increase the last time around was although they claimed it would be used exclusively for road needs, we have seen how well other "lockboxes" have worked out.

Then some of it had to be re-done or altered to keep the semis from tipping over. Seems like there was one every week on the news...


I remember that too, having to wait in traffic to go around them a few times. Seriously though, why couldn't the drivers just slow down a little? There were more than enough warning signs.

true, but why couldn't it be designed correctly so they wouldn't have to slow down or tip over? They went back and changed the grade to mitigate the problem. it can be done as there are ramps around where you dont have to slow down at all 9even though it is posted to do so)...at least in a F150 pickup or car...in fully loaded semi might be different. then there are others where they really mean it when they say slow down to 20 mph (even in a car/pickup)

First Ramp in I-235/I-44 Interchange Opens Friday Morning

Efforts to reduce congestion and improve the I-235/I-44 interchange will take a big step forward early Friday as the project to reconstruct the southbound I-235 ramp to westbound I-44 opens to traffic prior to Friday morning rush hour. This Oklahoma Department of Transportation project was the next phase in the overall Broadway Extension (US-77)/I-235/I-44 corridor reconstruction and the first major project on the I-235/I-44 interchange itself.

I wonder what is next and when it will start.

I wonder what is next and when it will start.

the next series of ramps won't start until 2017 ..

well that's re-DONK-ulous. I'm sure it's been hashed and rehashed, but so much for the 8 year plan on this interchange. I know they have to wait for that federal funding but come on!

I tried to go northbound on 235 and loop around to head westbound but it's blocked off, so I had to loop around and go back southbound and get off on NW 50th to get to my destination. Don't go that way tonight, lol.

This thing is going to be under construction for how long?? I think ODOT should go hire whomever has the contract for the Kilpatrick work. They are really moving on that despite being of questionable necessity.....yet a long overdue reconfiguration of a heavily trafficked interchange is going to be a work zone for years.

I know ODOT is constrained by the federal funding process on this one, but I think there must to be a way to get this done sooner. As a frequent critic of ODOT, it looks like this project will be a huge benefit for thousands of people every day and is designed very well - but this is what they do best, highway construction. The only thing I would have added is building the necessary supports for future construction of additional rail bridges in the area.

This thing is going to be under construction for how long?? I think ODOT should go hire whomever has the contact for the Kilpatrick work. They are really moving on that despite being of questionable necessity.....yet a long overdue reconfiguration of a heavily trafficked interchange is going to be a work zone for years.

I know ODOT is constrained by the federal funding process on this one, but I think there must to be a way to get this done sooner. As a frequent critic of ODOT, it looks like this project will be a huge benefit for thousands of people every day and is designed very well - but this is what they do best, highway construction. The only thing I would have added is building the necessary supports for future construction of additional rail bridges in the area.

The 8 year plan has money allocated through 2019. Probably the same companies bid on ODOT & OTA projects. It is more an issue of funding options allowed by the state, if ODOT could borrow money to do projects like OTA does then a similar construction time frame for projects might be possible.

The next series of ramps starts in 2017? The fact that this interchange might be done right about the time they need to start repair work on the first ramps completed is an outrage. This, coupled with the knowledge that several of our highway interchanges are among the worst I've seen anywhere, is an embarrassment.

The next series of ramps starts in 2017? The fact that this interchange might be done right about the time they need to start repair work on the first ramps completed is an outrage. This, coupled with the knowledge that several of our highway interchanges are among the worst I've seen anywhere, is an embarrassment.

but a lot of the reasoning for the delay from one section to the next is when the Federal Money would be allocated for this project... these are Federal roads we are talking about, and so the state isn't going to take the whole monetary burden upon themselves unless there is absolutely no alternative

ODOT did a good job on the southbound I-235 ramp to westbound I-44. The exit is now a smooth curve compared to the old chicane. Drivers need to prepare to exit earlier when deciding to take the route and also to remember to merge to the left onto I-44 or you will be forced to exit on Western. I hope the "Broadway Bottleneck" gets addressed in the next round of construction.

I agree that the ramp looks nice (haven't driven on it yet); however, the 63rd street on ramp (yes, I know it is "temporary") is a mess - I foresee that ramp causing a lot of accidents - it practically needs a stop sign in stead of a yield at the end.

A sign suggestion for those driving south from 63rd Street:

|------------------------------------------------------|
| <<== SOUTHBOUND I-235 | WESTBOUND I-44 ==>> |
|------------------------------------------------------|


(Yes, people are always telling me that I should be a graphic artist.)

I agree that the ramp looks nice (haven't driven on it yet); however, the 63rd street on ramp (yes, I know it is "temporary") is a mess - I foresee that ramp causing a lot of accidents - it practically needs a stop sign in stead of a yield at the end.

Luckily, the only traffic they'll have to merge with in the future is southbound to eastbound traffic and then they'll be in line to dodge westbound to southbound traffic. Also, by the end of the project, those clover leaves will be much larger since the flyover ramps will be constructed. Just gonna have to be careful for the next 20 years (joking, joking!) until the project is complete!


A sign suggestion for those driving south from 63rd Street:

|------------------------------------------------------|
| <<== SOUTHBOUND I-235 | WESTBOUND I-44 ==>> |
|------------------------------------------------------|


(Yes, people are always telling me that I should be a graphic artist.)

It'd also help if they put signs up on NE and NW 63rd showing a left lane I-235, right lane I-44 indicator.

Luckily, the only traffic they'll have to merge with in the future is southbound to eastbound traffic and then they'll be in line to dodge westbound to southbound traffic. Also, by the end of the project, those clover leaves will be much larger since the flyover ramps will be constructed. Just gonna have to be careful for the next 20 years (joking, joking!) until the project is complete!



It'd also help if they put signs up on NE and NW 63rd showing a left lane I-235, right lane I-44 indicator.

Your not that far off. It will at least be 10 years from start to finish.

(you know how peeps can be on here. They misjudge the sarcasm on a regular basis ;) )

Luckily, the only traffic they'll have to merge with in the future is southbound to eastbound traffic and then they'll be in line to dodge westbound to southbound traffic. Also, by the end of the project, those clover leaves will be much larger since the flyover ramps will be constructed. Just gonna have to be careful for the next 20 years (joking, joking!) until the project is complete!

Yeah, I can tell from the renderings that it will be nice eventually, but looks like an accident waiting to happen right now. They just exchanged one accident zone for another, basically.

If people can't figure out a new interchange ramp then maybe we don't need to build a roundabout bc po' dunk Okies can't figure things out!

There's almost no merge room on the 63rd southbound onto I-235 onramp. I've driven it a couple of times during non-rush periods, and the ramp tosses you right into the number two lane. There's also pretty poor visibility looking over your left shoulder. I tried it this morning at 8:15 and it was backed up by about 15 stopped vehicles, and subsequently the I-235 motorists were backed up quite a ways.

Does anyone know if this is planned to be improved? I'm amazed that they'd open it without a clear path for traffic to merge from the ramp into the right lane.