The graphic accompanying in this morning's DO story shows that work won't be finished on this exchange until 2019. That will be a decade of disruption for this interchange. Is this SOP for DOT?

Yes, but its not continuous work and disruption. They will finish this ramp project and it will be two years before they start the next one which is the the reconstruction of the NW 50th St bridge.

Yes, but its not continuous work and disruption. They will finish this ramp project and it will be two years before they start the next one which is the the reconstruction of the NW 50th St bridge.

...and widening out between I-44 and 36th St. to 6 lanes across with a new railroad bridge. I'd be staying away from that hell hole when that project is let and construction begins. Talk about a nightmare!

The graphic accompanying in this morning's DO story shows that work won't be finished on this exchange until 2019. That will be a decade of disruption for this interchange. Is this SOP for DOT?

Pretty much, which gives the larger project as a whole to widen/upgrade i235/Broadway Extension from aproximatly OKC's 36th to Edmond's 33rd a disruption of something like 30 years

The graphic accompanying in this morning's DO story shows that work won't be finished on this exchange until 2019. That will be a decade of disruption for this interchange. Is this SOP for DOT?

The first phase was do to start in 2017. And they are starting phase 2 on Monday. As it finishes the following phases should move up as well

Here are all the specifics of phase 2.
http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/contracts/a2013/plans1301/390_1701_IMY-0044-1(060)_0903313/A%20FULL%20FILE.pdf

So this phase of construction is only for the SW corner of the intersection (eastbound I-44 to southbound 235)?
It looks like they are moving a tremendous amount of work on the NE corner too.

So this phase of construction is only for the SW corner of the intersection (eastbound I-44 to southbound 235)?
It looks like they are moving a tremendous amount of work on the NE corner too.
I'm speculating, but it looks to me like temporary road work to prepare to shift traffic to the east by a lane or two to accommodate the construction for that southwest quadrant.

They are working on 3 ramps right now:

NE Corner
Westbound I-44 ramp to northbound I-235
The northbound I-235 ramp to westbound I-44

SW Corner
Eastbound I-44 ramps to north and southbound I-235 close nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Saturday morning, July 27, for installation of temporary barrier walls.
The right lane of eastbound I-44 will be closed between Western Ave. and I-235 throughout the project
(this part also includes removal of the SantaFe bridge.)

I made a visual cause sometimes it can get confusing:
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3760/9322900587_690abe6f23_b.jpg


They are working on 3 ramps right now:

NE Corner
Westbound I-44 ramp to northbound I-235
The northbound I-235 ramp to westbound I-44

SW Corner
Eastbound I-44 ramps to north and southbound I-235 close nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Saturday morning, July 27, for installation of temporary barrier walls.
The right lane of eastbound I-44 will be closed between Western Ave. and I-235 throughout the project
(this part also includes removal of the SantaFe bridge.)

Since it was on Page 12, here's a visual I made.

Thanks for the info... my speculation was spot off.

Are they actually redoing the WB I-44 to NB I-235 ramp like what they already completed on the other side? I thought that was another phase...

Are they actually redoing the WB I-44 to NB I-235 ramp like what they already completed on the other side? I thought that was another phase...

Its just temporary relief until the final phase on that section starts. Making the ramp longer in that area to make things flow a little better.

Since it was on Page 12, here's a visual I made.



No idea how I missed this graphic. Good job!

Its just temporary relief until the final phase on that section starts. Making the ramp longer in that area to make things flow a little better.

From what I understand, that segment is to also be two lanes.


No idea how I missed this graphic. Good job!

I've gotten a lot better at playing around with Google Earth :-)

Good progress on the north side of this project, and the clearing to the SW for the ramp over the creek - especially considering they are working mainly nights and around rush hours.

I'm surprised they didn't add an extra lane all the way to 63rd st, but I guess that would involve having to build the retaining wall right now.

The relief lane added to north end of the northbound I235 is a huge help during rush hour.

Southbound is still a nightmare, but they are making good progress on getting the ramp going from EB I44 to SB I235.

Bases for the concrete columns that will support the ramp from EB 44 to SB 235 and 63rd st look to be coming up quick. Saw a ton of reebar.

So I just saw this on their website
''5 I-44/I-235/Broadway Extension Oklahoma Co. Interchange reconstruction on the eastbound I-44 ramp to southbound I-235. Winter ’13. Sherwood Const. $8 million. Southbound I-235 ramp to NW 50th closed, night lane closures''

Does that mean they are anticipating a 2013 Winter completion date on this?

ps I also sent them an email asking about whether or not they might build flyovers on the western side. I know this has been discussed here, I just wanted to see what they are going to say. I'll post the email when/if I get a response.

So I just saw this on their website
''5 I-44/I-235/Broadway Extension Oklahoma Co. Interchange reconstruction on the eastbound I-44 ramp to southbound I-235. Winter ’13. Sherwood Const. $8 million. Southbound I-235 ramp to NW 50th closed, night lane closures''

Does that mean they are anticipating a 2013 Winter completion date on this?



According to the ODOT website, Sherwood Construction "bid" 180 days for the project. This would put them at a late
January completion date, earlier for bonus, later for penalty.

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



I just noticed while looking at this that the cloverleaf portion will be completely different than the 235 through traffic. Obviously this will make the going WB on I-44 to SB 235 or SB 235 to EB 44 a little bit slower, but the pace of 235 will be a little better.

I just noticed while looking at this that the cloverleaf portion will be completely different than the 235 through traffic. Obviously this will make the going WB on I-44 to SB 235 or SB 235 to EB 44 a little bit slower, but the pace of 235 will be a little better.

yep it is a very reasonable solution

This is kind of a weird article, but here it is.

''Foxx likes Oklahoma's vision for roads
James Coburn
The Edmond Sun

OKLA. CITY — U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx came to Oklahoma City Friday to meet with officials from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation about progress being made at a new interchange being built at I-44/I-235, west of the Broadway Extension. Gov. Mary Fallin joined Foxx along with U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe at the site.

“It is the beginning of the elimination of a functionally obsolete interchange,” said ODOT Director Mike Patterson.

The current project is the second of seven at the Interstate 44/Interstate 235 Broadway Extension interchange and is estimated at $9 million. Construction began in July and is expected to complete in the spring of next year, according to ODOT''

- See more at: Foxx likes Oklahoma's vision for roads » Local News » The Edmond Sun (http://www.edmondsun.com/local/x789518225/Foxx-likes-Oklahomas-vision-for-roads#sthash.EsyTSIsA.dpuf)

From ODOT:

I-235 closes at N.W. 50th St. for ramp/bridge removal this weekend, drivers urged to locate alternate route North and southbound I-235 will be completely closed south of I-44, near N.W. 50th St. beginning 9 p.m. Saturday through 5 a.m. Monday for removal of the old southbound I-235 ramp to N.W. 50th St. over I-235. Northbound I-235 traffic will be detoured at N.W. 36th St. and southbound I-235 traffic will be detoured onto I-44.

I guess this is OKC's Carmaggedon (Carnado?) I would avoid Western this weekend as well.

Glad to see they are making such quick progress of this.

Shared on Facebook!

Bridge is gone now. Tons of dirt work on the SW side of this interchange. Looking forward to the progress.

Saw a motorcyclist die using ramp from EB I44 to I235 NB/SB Friday night. This interchange is just way too dangerous and with the added construction on it, it is moreso.

phase 2 is well under way and phase 3 starts soon ...

segment 4a (nw 50th bridge and bnsf bridge) has been moved up to 2015 .. and making 235 6 lane to just south of 50th also starts in 2015

WB and EB flyover bridges will start in 2018

I235 main line over I44 is in 2019 .. as well as I44 west bound to north bound I235

What is Phase 3 again and when does that start? I didn't see anything about it on the updated 8 year plan I browsed earlier.

What is Phase 3 again and when does that start? I didn't see anything about it on the updated 8 year plan I browsed earlier.

Southeast quarter I think.

What is Phase 3 again and when does that start? I didn't see anything about it on the updated 8 year plan I browsed earlier.

i think it is the northboud 235 to east bound 44

i think it is the northboud 235 to east bound 44

You'd think that they'd at least build Santa Fe Avenue through to 50th so that when they rebuild the 50th Street bridge there's a way to access that general area besides using the 36th Street exit or coming from Lincoln.

You'd think that they'd at least build Santa Fe Avenue through to 50th so that when they rebuild the 50th Street bridge there's a way to access that general area besides using the 36th Street exit or coming from Lincoln.Don't waste your time thinking with ODOT, there is no "thinking" going on with them, if there was, we wouldn't be building a half ass half flyover/ half clover interchange.

Have I mentioned I am not a big fan of cloverleafs, because I am not!

Don't waste your time thinking with ODOT, there is no "thinking" going on with them, if there was, we wouldn't be building a half ass half flyover/ half clover interchange.

Have I mentioned I am not a big fan of cloverleafs, because I am not!

Easy now...remember to be one with the force PluPan ;-)

Don't waste your time thinking with ODOT, there is no "thinking" going on with them, if there was, we wouldn't be building a half ass half flyover/ half clover interchange.

Have I mentioned I am not a big fan of cloverleafs, because I am not!

How much more right-of-way would ODOT need to purchase to make a full flyover? Is it worth that cost? I think they'd have to remove a hotel, possibly two office buildings or more in order to do that. It's not prudent.

How much more right-of-way would ODOT need to purchase to make a full flyover? Is it worth that cost? I think they'd have to remove a hotel, possibly two office buildings or more in order to do that. It's not prudent.

Which office buildings are you saying would have to go?

I would say WB 44 to SB 235 and SB 235 to EB 44 are two of the 3 lowest used ramps at the interchange today. Flyovers are not only uneccessary, but if you look @ the rendering, both of those ramps will have a dedicated 2 lane blend ramp connected to the main artery of 235.


I don't think people realize how massive this bridge over 44 is going to be. We are talking 10 total lanes in width plus shoulders and median. This includes the 6 main artery lanes of 235, 1 lane for 63rd street ramp, 2 lanes for blend ramp for the above mentioned, then the actual enter/exit lane for that blend ramp.

Which office buildings are you saying would have to go?

The Paradigm/Pinnacle building (can't remember the name - big black building) and possibly the building north of it, and then possibly the Best Western on the east side. The entire interchange is offset because of the alignment needed to keep those buildings intact. Therefore, a flyover because quite difficult for all ramps.

I would say WB 44 to SB 235 and SB 235 to EB 44 are two of the 3 lowest used ramps at the interchange today. Flyovers are not only uneccessary, but if you look @ the rendering, both of those ramps will have a dedicated 2 lane blend ramp connected to the main artery of 235.


I don't think people realize how massive this bridge over 44 is going to be. We are talking 10 total lanes in width plus shoulders and median. This includes the 6 main artery lanes of 235, 1 lane for 63rd street ramp, 2 lanes for blend ramp for the above mentioned, then the actual enter/exit lane for that blend ramp.

As long as lane weaving with mainline traffic is eliminated, than this setup is okay.

People in OKC like to think this interchange is busy. It is indeed very congested and outdated, but at last check this interchange has a AADT of about 170K a day. That would put it in the middle of the pack as far as OKC is concerned. In comparison 44/40, 235/40/35 and 240/35 all have AADT's well in excess of 200K a day. And the 635/75 interchange a/k/a the "High Five" in Dallas has an AADT of about 500K a day. So just based on traffic counts alone a four layer flyover interchange is really not necessary.

While the traffic count may be lower, I guarantee this is due to the actual issue of the interchange. Many more vehicles will travel this interchange once it is complete. Current lower traffic numbers are mostly due to avoidance altogether.

The Paradigm/Pinnacle building (can't remember the name - big black building) and possibly the building north of it, and then possibly the Best Western on the east side. The entire interchange is offset because of the alignment needed to keep those buildings intact. Therefore, a flyover because quite difficult for all ramps.

Paragon ?

Paragon ?

Nm

While the traffic count may be lower, I guarantee this is due to the actual issue of the interchange. Many more vehicles will travel this interchange once it is complete. Current lower traffic numbers are mostly due to avoidance altogether.

Not disagreeing with this, but the fact that this interchange carries mostly local traffic while the others I listed have a lot of cross country/truck traffic means 235/44 will probably never see as much use.

The Paradigm/Pinnacle building (can't remember the name - big black building) and possibly the building north of it, and then possibly the Best Western on the east side. The entire interchange is offset because of the alignment needed to keep those buildings intact. Therefore, a flyover because quite difficult for all ramps.I don't think they would have to remove any buildings to do this and I actually though flyovers used less right of way? Anyways, I've looked extensively at maps of this area and think that flyovers would be feasible. I'll draw something up here pretty soon.

I don't think they would have to remove any buildings to do this and I actually though flyovers used less right of way? Anyways, I've looked extensively at maps of this area and think that flyovers would be feasible. I'll draw something up here pretty soon.

Can't wait to see your "just for fun" drawing. I only say that because not getting a full stack interchange here is the same reason you're not going to see it at Kilpatrick/Broadway Extension. Traffic patterns don't warrant it. Sorry bra!

I don't think they would have to remove any buildings to do this and I actually though flyovers used less right of way? Anyways, I've looked extensively at maps of this area and think that flyovers would be feasible. I'll draw something up here pretty soon.

I am pretty sure they said they had the room, the issue was money

Can't wait to see your "just for fun" drawing. I only say that because not getting a full stack interchange here is the same reason you're not going to see it at Kilpatrick/Broadway Extension. Traffic patterns don't warrant it. Sorry bra!I know, it will be fun drawing it up though! :)

EB 44 to SB 235 ramp is almost complete.

They built that monstorosity very quickly. However, this was the part of the project that deals with existing traffic the least.

EB 44 to SB 235 ramp is almost complete.

They built that monstorosity very quickly. However, this was the part of the project that deals with existing traffic the least.

Yeah, it will be much worse when they are doing the widening of 235 and the flyover lanes. Is the SW quadrant next?

Yeah, it will be much worse when they are doing the widening of 235 and the flyover lanes. Is the SW quadrant next?

I thought the ramp that Anonymous posted about is the SW quadrant.

I thought the ramp that Anonymous posted about is the SW quadrant.

Sorry, meant the southeast quadrant.

I would like to see a four level stack or maybe even a dual level highway like I-35 through Austin.

I would like to see a four level stack or maybe even a dual level highway like I-35 through Austin.

Where? And why?

EB 44 to SB 235 ramp is almost complete.

They built that monstorosity very quickly. However, this was the part of the project that deals with existing traffic the least.Why is it a monstrosity?

I would like to see a four level stack or maybe even a dual level highway like I-35 through Austin.

As much as we'd all like to see something besides cloverleafs, ODOT will never answer our personal wishes :-(

Why is it a monstrosity?

It is very long and large for a ramp. And it crosses a pretty good size valley/creek bed.

As much as we'd all like to see something besides cloverleafs, ODOT will never answer our personal wishes :-(

I've very easy to tell which states actually take pride in their interchanges and which states do not. Along I-40, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Tennessee design very elaborate and impressive interchanges. Oklahoma, Arkansas, and North Carolina are for some reason still doing cloverleafs. Charlotte's interchanges for the most part are worse than OKC's with the exception of one 4-level stack that is impressive. I would really like to see the I-40/I-44 interchange replaced with a 4 or 5 level stack.

It is very long and large for a ramp. And it crosses a pretty good size valley/creek bed.

It's a monstrosity because the thing forks as it will be a bi-directional ramp (to the right, southbound, to the left, one of the two flyover ramps).

What am I missing with this "4-level" or "5-level" stack fetish?

I'm not an engineer, but I do understand why different types of interchanges are more conducive to traffic flow. But I struggle to think of even one "3-level" let alone "4-level" or "5-level" stack interchange in St. Louis, and St. Louis is far larger with much more traffic than OKC. (We have at least eliminated cloverleafs for the most part). Things seem to run smoothly through our interchanges.

Seems like a colossal waste of resources if it's not really needed.

What am I missing with this "4-level" or "5-level" stack fetish?


Texas envy, mostly. As far as I'm concerned those guys can have it.

FWIW there is a three level stack at 44 and 270 in STL (Isn't that Fenton?). Very similar in design to what will be built at 35/240. Seemed quite efficient to me.