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.

That's what i was commenting about - I think they would have been better off leaving that closed until they can make it better.

That's what i was commenting about - I think they would have been better off leaving that closed until they can make it better.

Hip - Didn't see your post. Sorry for the duplicate.

I drove throught the junction this weekend. I went from 235 North, to 44 West. I have to say, the onramps to 44 are MUCH improved now that the frontage road is open. You no longer have a concrete wall 5 feet in front of you at the onramp...you have your own lane again. AND, the traffic from the frontage has it's own lane that then runs as a exit only to Western. It's SOOOO much better than it was a few months ago!

Now if we could only pick up the pace on the cloverleaf issue.....

I drove throught the junction this weekend. I went from 235 North, to 44 West. I have to say, the onramps to 44 are MUCH improved now that the frontage road is open. You no longer have a concrete wall 5 feet in front of you at the onramp...you have your own lane again. AND, the traffic from the frontage has it's own lane that then runs as a exit only to Western. It's SOOOO much better than it was a few months ago!

Now if we could only pick up the pace on the cloverleaf issue.....

Except for the 63rd on-ramp to I-235 of course. I don't see how they can fix that until the entire interchange is rebuilt. Like others have said, they might as well keep it closed.

Except for the 63rd on-ramp to I-235 of course. I don't see how they can fix that until the entire interchange is rebuilt. Like others have said, they might as well keep it closed.

Speaking of, I drove this portion to figure out how it is this past weekend. I really couldn't test it cause some moronish woman was entering 235 at 40mph in front of me and while merging directly behind her some other person traveling south on Broadway Extension honked at me as if it were my fault.

So, I can see where you're coming from but I still think it will be better once the overall project is done and you'll only be dealing with clover leaf traffic.

Speaking of, I drove this portion to figure out how it is this past weekend. I really couldn't test it cause some moronish woman was entering 235 at 40mph in front of me and while merging directly behind her some other person traveling south on Broadway Extension honked at me as if it were my fault.

So, I can see where you're coming from but I still think it will be better once the overall project is done and you'll only be dealing with clover leaf traffic.

Unfortunately that is a really bad habit of some OKC drivers. I really don't mind the drivers here but I have never been in a place where so many people think its perfectly acceptable to get on the freeway at 35-45 mph. And yes the 235/44 interchange is about the worst in the city in this regards.

Try from NW Expressway to 74 southbound. I deal with it there all the time & even worse about it is that it's the only two lane merge into one lane ramp that the left merges into the right and people are always driving in the left lane like they own it!

Speaking of, I drove this portion to figure out how it is this past weekend. I really couldn't test it cause some moronish woman was entering 235 at 40mph in front of me and while merging directly behind her some other person traveling south on Broadway Extension honked at me as if it were my fault.

So, I can see where you're coming from but I still think it will be better once the overall project is done and you'll only be dealing with clover leaf traffic.

Well yeah, the yield lane would also be longer and with better visibility. That's years away though.

Well yeah, the yield lane would also be longer and with better visibility. That's years away though.

I know.

Try from NW Expressway to 74 southbound. I deal with it there all the time & even worse about it is that it's the only two lane merge into one lane ramp that the left merges into the right and people are always driving in the left lane like they own it!

Tell me about it. I don't get people. It's like they think they're asserting their dominance or something by staying in the left lane as long as possible. There's no room for egos on the interstate! Or at least there shouldn't be.

That's when you start driving down the middle line to keep them from squeezing by you. I've done that on the interstate several times wheni see some jerk face trying to run past everyone before the cones force them over. that's the kind of person that the merge now laws were created for. I don't understand why some people will ignore signs just to get a few cars further down the road...like it matters.

That's when you start driving down the middle line to keep them from squeezing by you. I've done that on the interstate several times wheni see some jerk face trying to run past everyone before the cones force them over. that's the kind of person that the merge now laws were created for. I don't understand why some people will ignore signs just to get a few cars further down the road...like it matters.

This month, I saw a guy driving a truck get a ticket for driving in the left lane, but matching speeds with the much slower other two lanes.

This month, I saw a guy driving a truck get a ticket for driving in the left lane, but matching speeds with the much slower other two lanes.

The situation matters in this a great deal. If you are in the left lane, it is not ending and ahead of you is clear then you should not be matching speeds. If you want to match their speed then yield the lane since you are probably blocking traffic at that point.

ODOT has amended their STIP (State Transportation Improvement Program) to include the eastbound I-44 ramp to southbound I-235. See item 66 in linked document below. That seems to indicate that ODOT is planning on starting the project in the near future rather than the 2017-2019 time frame as previously stated in the last 8-year program released in October 2011.

http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/p-r-div/stip/stip_ffy2011-2014_amendments.pdf

ODOT has amended their STIP (State Transportation Improvement Program) to include the eastbound I-44 ramp to southbound I-235. See item 66 in linked document below. That seems to indicate that ODOT is planning on starting the project in the near future rather than the 2017-2019 time frame as previously stated in the last 8-year program released in October 2011.

http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/p-r-div/stip/stip_ffy2011-2014_amendments.pdf

Doing all the "easy" stuff first. By the time they get the four corners done it will be 2017 and about time for the main bridges and flyover bridges to be built.

The situation matters in this a great deal. If you are in the left lane, it is not ending and ahead of you is clear then you should not be matching speeds. If you want to match their speed then yield the lane since you are probably blocking traffic at that point.

He was blocking traffic. Purposefully. 98% of the drivers get over to the right two lanes about 3 miles before the left lane ends, and slowly inch their way through the interchange. 2% of the drivers are either unaware that the left lane ends (out of towners), or think their time is somehow more valuable than everyone elses, and zipps past the line, just making everyone take longer by having to merge into a very slow moving lane.

He was blocking traffic. Purposefully. 98% of the drivers get over to the right two lanes about 3 miles before the left lane ends, and slowly inch their way through the interchange. 2% of the drivers are either unaware that the left lane ends (out of towners), or think their time is somehow more valuable than everyone elses, and zipps past the line, just making everyone take longer by having to merge into a very slow moving lane.

Ok but there are many instances where people also are blocking the far left lane when they should have yielded due to not paying attention to the road around them, because they do not know traffic rules say they should have yielded or are pissed at the person behind them.

I usually block the left lane if it is supposed to end by driving over the white stripes. If you are behind me, you can merge like everyone else did. Do this about 1/2 mile out. Not 2-3 miles out.

I usually block the left lane if it is supposed to end by driving over the white stripes. If you are behind me, you can merge like everyone else did. Do this about 1/2 mile out. Not 2-3 miles out.

That may be an effective method but I would think you're leaving yourself open to a possible ticket by doing that.

That may be an effective method but I would think you're leaving yourself open to a possible ticket by doing that.

And by speeding, floating a stop sign, not using a turn indicator, tail light out, etc. you're always open to getting a ticket.

And by speeding, floating a stop sign, not using a turn indicator, tail light out, etc. you're always open to getting a ticket.

True, but it's no reason to do it on purpose. Trying to counter an inconsiderate driver by driving illegally certainly doesn't seem wise.

I do it sometimes when i'm close to the lane closure....i say a big screw you to the a-hole trying to get around everyone.

True, but it's no reason to do it on purpose. Trying to counter an inconsiderate driver by driving illegally certainly doesn't seem wise.
It may not be a lawfully justifiable reason, but there IS a reason to do it — even if that reason may be viewed as tenuous and wholly self-serving. If nothing else, it makes some of us feel better, especially after dutifully and lawfully waiting our turn in crawling bumper-to-bumper traffic only to have an arrogant, aggressive and rude driver try to squeeze around your car ahead of you and dangerously force himself (or herself) into a non-existent space... something that I've witnessed cause more than a few wrecks and tie up traffic even worse. I could argue that some of us are trying to prevent the reckless cause of a traffic collision where people could possibly be hurt, property unnecessarily damaged and thousands more commuters egregiously inconvenienced. I applaud those who do so.

When/what's the next phase of this project?

ODOT has amended their STIP (State Transportation Improvement Program) to include the eastbound I-44 ramp to southbound I-235. See item 66 in linked document below. That seems to indicate that ODOT is planning on starting the project in the near future rather than the 2017-2019 time frame as previously stated in the last 8-year program released in October 2011.

http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/p-r-div/stip/stip_ffy2011-2014_amendments.pdf

this is next on the list .. looks like it has been moved up quite a bit

Anyone have a rendering of the proposed changes?

Is that shrinking the overall timeline or just rearranging things?

Its probably just rearranging things. Trying to spread the project out a little more by doing the less complex parts of the interchange first. The major parts like NW 50th, NW 36th, and Main interstate bridge and flyovers don't start until 2016 according to the latest eight year plan. They can't really break these down into individual pieces like they are doing with the "corner" ramps. Once these start, this area will be complete mess for at least 2-3 years.

Is that shrinking the overall timeline or just rearranging things?

it is moving up this piece of the project ... right now it doesn't effect the overall timeline ..

Anyone have a rendering of the proposed changes?

http://www.okctalk.com/transportation/24127-i-235-i-44-interchange.html#post387331


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/i40crosstown/i235_i44_intersection_1024.jpg

that is the ramp that is already completed. .... the project that is being moved up is the east bound I44 to south bound I235

Right...I figure he can figure out the eastbound to southbound and use that rendering to envision and get a feel for scope/placement/etc.

Right...I figure he can figure out the eastbound to southbound and use that rendering to envision and get a feel for scope/placement/etc.

But just in case, for those that are geographically challenged and can't interpret a rendering properly, the new project would be the ramp in the lower left hand corner of the above rendering that bends over the Deep Fork Creek. ;-)

For those of you also sitting in the jam headed N on I-235 approaching I-44 around 5pm every weekday, have you noticed the idiot driving on the right hand shoulder and passing everyone this week?

Two days this week the same car has done this. This is in addition to all the impatient bloaks that ride the left lane until to the end point and force their way into line (PLEASE STOP LETTING THESE PEOPLE IN)

I have seen the OHP ticketing people near here before, but not nearly enough times, I think they avoid the area as to not have to work petty fender-benders.

You should block the shoulder off ;-)

You should block the shoulder off ;-)

Have done that before, several times, when there were bottlenecks further S on 35.
Have blocked out the race to the orange barrel lane at times as well.

You can't fix stupid, but you can be an designated blocker to blockheads.

Get your point, but driving where one is allowed to drive, at a speed that is posted, isn't being a vigilante.
Conversely, ignoring merge signs and trying to race ahead of 20-60 cars already qued up in a required merge, or worse, trying to pass that same 20-60 cars by roaring down a road shoulder is a display of stupidity and greed.

Saying no, not today and blocking the way is not inappropriate on the roadway. Now, swerving at someone at the last minute, yeah, that would be dumb and not likely to end well on several levels.

Get your point, but driving where one is allowed to drive, at a speed that is posted, isn't being a vigilante.
Conversely, ignoring merge signs and trying to race ahead of 20-60 cars already qued up in a required merge, or worse, trying to pass that same 20-60 cars by roaring down a road shoulder is a display of stupidity and greed.

Saying no, not today and blocking the way is not inappropriate on the roadway. Now, swerving at someone at the last minute, yeah, that would be dumb and not likely to end well on several levels.

Yeah, right up until you make the guy so angry that he intentionally has an accident with you or follows you home to pick a fight in person. You really are better off leaving it to the cops.

I come home from work via 44 to lincoln to eastbound on 36th, and it amuses me to watch the poeple exit off 235, sit at the light, the procede to get right back onto 235 just causing more traffic

Has anyone with ODOT knowledge even know if any of the additional phases of the I-44/235 reconstruction have gone out to bid?
Is there a master plan for the process?

Has anyone with ODOT knowledge even know if any of the additional phases of the I-44/235 reconstruction have gone out to bid?
Is there a master plan for the process?

I doubt much has been bid out recently, though the closest I have see to what you are asking for is the most recent eight year construction plan, which tells roughly how much bids are expected to be and what federal funding year will be paid from (though it is not unheard of for how much to go up and when to happen later).

The line items related to that area.

I-235/I-44 Interchange
FFY 2016 Grade, Draining, Bridge & Surface $ 8,500,000
FFY 2017 Grade, Draining, Bridge & Surface $20,000,000
FFY 2018 Grade, Draining, Bridge & Surface $ 7,229,493
FFY 2018 Grade, Draining, Bridge & Surface $31,000,000
FFY 2019 Grade, Draining, Bridge & Surface $42,134,529
FFY 2019 Grade, Draining, Bridge & Surface $29,000,000
Total $137,864,022

I-44 EB, WB & On-Ramps over Deep Fork Creek
FFY 2019 Bridge Rehabilitation $ 2,000,000

The contract for the reconstruction of the ramp from EB I-44 to SB I-235 was awarded by ODOT on Monday.

Some details:
Contract length is 240 Calendar days.
SB I-235 ramp to NW 50th Street will close.
NW 50th St ramp to NB I-235 will be closed and removed.
The bridge from SB I-235 ramp to NW 50th Street will be removed.
Western Ave ramp to EB I-44 will remain open during construction.
EB I-44 will be restricted to 2 lanes through the construction zone.

Well now that the project has been awarded/let, I wonder when construction will begin. Glad they're working on this next. It will be interesting to see how they go about removing that 50th St. exit bridge without disrupting the flow of traffic on 235.

Funny how ODOT will close and remove the 50th st ramps, but they won't close the dangerous Shields on-ramp onto I-240 even though the plans call for it to be closed in the future.

Yeah, but you see, The 50th St. exits/entrances for I-235 are in the way of the realigned interchange ramps so until the 35/240 interchange is redone, that Shields ramp will remain open.

I know I've said this before, I still hope they will change the clover leafs into flyovers. :3

I know I've said this before, I still hope they will change the clover leafs into flyovers. :3

You'll get half your wish since two of them will be flyovers :wink:

Yeah, haha. Better to look at the glass half full I guess. ;)

Saw something on the news where ODOT was going to start construction of the southwest part of the interchange this June.

The contract for the reconstruction of the ramp from EB I-44 to SB I-235 was awarded by ODOT on Monday.

Some details:
Contract length is 240 Calendar days.
SB I-235 ramp to NW 50th Street will close.
NW 50th St ramp to NB I-235 will be closed and removed.
The bridge from SB I-235 ramp to NW 50th Street will be removed.
Western Ave ramp to EB I-44 will remain open during construction.
EB I-44 will be restricted to 2 lanes through the construction zone.

yep

Saw something on the news where ODOT was going to start construction of the southwest part of the interchange this June.

So does this mean this project is being fast tracked and we don't have to wait until 2017 for work to start up again?

So does this mean this project is being fast tracked and we don't have to wait until 2017 for work to start up again?

I am curious if the delay of the start of the boulevard has anything to do with this.

Well this is good news. The faster this interchange gets fixed, the better.

I am curious if the delay of the start of the boulevard has anything to do with this.

don't think so ..

So does this mean this project is being fast tracked and we don't have to wait until 2017 for work to start up again?

yes the east bound I44 to south I235 ramp will start this year

What's the next ramp to start once they finish this one? The NB 235 to EB 44?

What's the next ramp to start once they finish this one? The NB 235 to EB 44?

i would guess so .. but after this one nothing is scheduled until 2017 (this one wasn't either until recently)

What's the next ramp to start once they finish this one? The NB 235 to EB 44?

50th Street and the BNSF RR bridge.

Bill, are you sure? Was that how it was originally proposed to progress?

Bill, are you sure? Was that how it was originally proposed to progress?

Yep. Yep.

Yep. Yep.

any idea if those projects will be "moved up" as well