Some argue there comes a point where more lanes doesn't really help and that interchange design makes all the difference. Cloverleaf's were bad designs way back in the 1960's when they were first built. A hybrid cloverleaf/stacked interchange design isn't really a great design, but at least its something.Yeah, I've heard.

Today it does.

The amount of lanes that 235 is now and will be for the foreseeable future is fine with the rate the OKC metro is taking on new residents. If all our highways were gridlocked 24/7, then you'd have a case but they're not so your argument is invalid. We can't help that you want OKC to be a mini Dallas.

Some argue there comes a point where more lanes doesn't really help and that interchange design makes all the difference. Cloverleaf's were bad designs way back in the 1960's when they were first built. A hybrid cloverleaf/stacked interchange design isn't really a great design, but at least its something.
Cloverleafs were fine with the minimal amount of traffic back (compared to now), there are just so many more vehicles on the roads that they became inefficient very quickly. Just like when the I-40 Crosstown was designed and built in the early 60's, it was designed to handle two semi's traveling side by side on the bridge part. There were many people who were convinced that would never happen, we all know better now.

They now have new signs on EB I-44 for the new SB ramp. I've been wondering this for a long time. The control point for I-235 southbound has always been "Okla. City/Downtown". Why do they specify "Okla. City" on these signs? We're well within Oklahoma City on this stretch, so simply "Downtown" should suffice.

Just be glad they didn't put 'The City' like a lot of people not living in OKC call it.

Just be glad they didn't put 'The City' like a lot of people not living in OKC call it. Can't get much more small-time than that.

Just be glad they didn't put 'The City' like a lot of people not living in OKC call it. Can't get much more small-time than that.Really? The people on the outskirts (such as the Hamptons) of NYC even use the term "the city."

Really? The people on the outskirts (such as the Hamptons) of NYC even use the term "the city."
True, and San Francisco is referred to as the city by those in that area.

Perhaps I am in the minority.

It sounded to me as if Anon. was saying he is glad they didn't put "the city" on an actual road sign, not just word of mouth. Perhaps I am wrong though.

It sounded to me as if Anon. was saying he is glad they didn't put "the city" on an actual road sign, not just word of mouth. Perhaps I am wrong though.

Plupan, yes he said that but the subsequent comments where about him saying that calling OKC "the city" was small time.

They now have new signs on EB I-44 for the new SB ramp. I've been wondering this for a long time. The control point for I-235 southbound has always been "Okla. City/Downtown". Why do they specify "Okla. City" on these signs? We're well within Oklahoma City on this stretch, so simply "Downtown" should suffice.

I think they put that on there just for clarification and reassurance since it is a national interstate with many out of towners driving the route. as we all know there are drivers out there who aren't the smartest in the world

Why does this thread not have a project page, or project info at the top, like other major projects? Am I just missing it?

So now they finished the southbound I44 exit, what is next? I'm assuming the BSNF Bridge... it sucks how slow this is going. I wonder if the other projects are going to be moved up...

Why does this thread not have a project page, or project info at the top, like other major projects? Am I just missing it?

It depend on which category the thread is created under if it has the info section at the top, I think the only categories that have it on are "Development & Buildings" and "Retail & Services".

Is there anything new happening or going to happen with this soon? I guess since ODOT is receiving cutback due to the money being diverted, this won't happen for a long time now... :/

Is there anything new happening or going to happen with this soon? I guess since ODOT is receiving cutback due to the money being diverted, this won't happen for a long time now... :/

Who's the cutting the money?

Who's the cutting the money?Well, some of the money is being diverted to education. All I know is ODOT was fast tracking the project by an unexpected increase in revenue, but it seems that surely doomed to fail now

I think the diverted money would only affect future projects that aren't already in the pipeline.

I think the diverted money would only affect future projects that aren't already in the pipeline.I know, but what I meant was how they were completing and moving the interchange rebuild up and I was wondering if that would be impacted?

I know, but what I meant was how they were completing and moving the interchange rebuild up and I was wondering if that would be impacted?

Next project wont start until somewhere around 2015. All the future projects are 20+ million dollars so its not likely they can bump any future projects foward like they did the ramp project. And thats before any potenial education bill gets pass.

I guess I missed this story on the removal of the Santa Fe bridge.

Businesses Upset Over Change In I-235 Expansion Plans | KFOR.com (http://kfor.com/2013/11/11/businesses-upset-over-change-in-i-235-expansion-plans/)

"The Santa Fe bridge was an optional part of the I-235 expansion plan. Engineers developed the plan as a way to divert traffic if I-235 had to be narrowed to one lane.

ODOT now says the bridge is not necessary because they can leave two lanes of traffic open in each direction along I-235 throughout the project. Since they won’t have to divert traffic to Santa Fe they cannot justify using federal funds to build the bridge."

I guess we just have to hold ODOT accountable to not reduce that bridge to one lane...

What?! It would've been nice to have that bridge to complete the one-mile grid in that area.

I don't see why they have not layed a 4" layer of asphalt over the concrete from 50th to 63rd on I235/Broadway Extension. This road is so bumpy I feel like I'm killing my car's suspension every time I drive over this stretch. Since completion is so far out, they could at least smooth this out a little.

I don't see why they have not layed a 4" layer of asphalt over the concrete from 50th to 63rd on I235/Broadway Extension. This road is so bumpy I feel like I'm killing my car's suspension every time I drive over this stretch. Since completion is so far out, they could at least smooth this out a little.

I know NW 36th to NW 50th is suppose to start early next year. I don't think they can place a layer of asphalt on top of a bridge deck since that would make the deck heavier than designed.

I know NW 36th to NW 50th is suppose to start early next year. I don't think they can place a layer of asphalt on top of a bridge deck since that would make the deck heavier than designed.

Maybe not a full layer but they have at least done some spot asphalt on some of the other bridges around town when doing the prep to help them stand up to a larger volume driving over the single lanes when narrowing a bridge from four to two lanes for reconstruction. Granted a year into the project that has generally been worn out.

I read somewhere recently that a new train bridge south of 50th and a new 50th street exit was the next to be constructed sometime later this year.

I read somewhere recently that a new train bridge south of 50th and a new 50th street exit was the next to be constructed sometime later this year.

That'll be gridlock like never before...

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I read somewhere recently that a new train bridge south of 50th and a new 50th street exit was the next to be constructed sometime later this year.

ODOT has the railroad bridge, 50th street bridge, and rebuilding I-235 from NW 36th to North of 50th on the Let schedule for August. So construction will probably start sometime in the Fall.

It will be the most they have done with I-235 since they did the NW 36th street bridge.

ODOT has the railroad bridge, 50th street bridge, and rebuilding I-235 from NW 36th to North of 50th on the Let schedule for August. So construction will probably start sometime in the Fall.

It will be the most they have done with I-235 since they did the NW 36th street bridge.

Are they going to double-track this new railroad bridge for future commuter rail or was that ever settled?

ODOT has the railroad bridge, 50th street bridge, and rebuilding I-235 from NW 36th to North of 50th on the Let schedule for August. So construction will probably start sometime in the Fall.

It will be the most they have done with I-235 since they did the NW 36th street bridge.
That's when the true nightmare begins for commuters...

Are they going to double-track this new railroad bridge for future commuter rail or was that ever settled?
I don't think there's been any word on that.

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I went into a highway craze after seeing what they are planning for SH74 and noticed ODOT released a new map of new projects.

It has the I44/235 interchange slated to begin more construction in 2015. Now I already knew they had the BNSF bridge that was going to be replaced, but they have two projects that are going to be done.

This is what they have listed

I-235/I-44 Interchange
FFY 2015 Grade, Draining, Bridge & Surface $19,696,200
FFY 2015 Grade, Draining, Bridge & Surface $46,300,452
FFY 2015 Force Account $ 1,750,000
FFY 2016 Grading $ 500,000
FFY 2017 Grade, Draining, Bridge & Surface $32,860,000
FFY 2019 Grade, Draining, Bridge & Surface $40,949,293
FFY 2019 Grade, Draining, Bridge & Surface $24,000,000
Total $166,055,945

They have the most expensive part which I assume is the main bridge that reconstructs the entire I235 highway, widens it to 6 lanes, and creates a fairly massive bridge. Is that it? I really hope it is because that would do wonders for the traffic.

New maps, as in new designs for the interchange?

New maps, as in new designs for the interchange?

No. :( just new and updated projects listed.

I went into a highway craze after seeing what they are planning for SH74 and noticed ODOT released a new map of new projects.

It has the I44/235 interchange slated to begin more construction in 2015. Now I already knew they had the BNSF bridge that was going to be replaced, but they have two projects that are going to be done.

This is what they have listed

I-235/I-44 Interchange
FFY 2015 Grade, Draining, Bridge & Surface $19,696,200
FFY 2015 Grade, Draining, Bridge & Surface $46,300,452
FFY 2015 Force Account $ 1,750,000
FFY 2016 Grading $ 500,000
FFY 2017 Grade, Draining, Bridge & Surface $32,860,000
FFY 2019 Grade, Draining, Bridge & Surface $40,949,293
FFY 2019 Grade, Draining, Bridge & Surface $24,000,000
Total $166,055,945

They have the most expensive part which I assume is the main bridge that reconstructs the entire I235 highway, widens it to 6 lanes, and creates a fairly massive bridge. Is that it? I really hope it is because that would do wonders for the traffic.

BNSF bridge and 50th street bridge are part of the 46 million dollar project. Widening from 36th street to just past 50th street is part of the 19 million dollar project.

Anyone know when he next $19M phase is supposed to begin?

^Echoing the above question: when and what is the next phase?

^Echoing the above question: when and what is the next phase?

Next segments:
NW 50th street and BNSF bridges and approaches
Mainline I-235 from NW 36th St interchange to north of NW 50th St.

Both projects are currently scheduled to go to bid in November. If they stay on that schedule, then construction should start in early 2016.

Noticed a surveying crew that was parked in the median between I-235 and the BNSF railroad just south of 36th this past week. Hopefully, this project can get back on track again. I think this project was delayed due to the Belle Isle bridge repairs.

Noticed a surveying crew that was parked in the median between I-235 and the BNSF railroad just south of 36th this past week. Hopefully, this project can get back on track again. I think this project was delayed due to the Belle Isle bridge repairs.

Probably not as much as you might think, it already had a two or three year gap planned due to working it and other projects around in the budget

Full set of plans for the 36th to 50th street work are online.

Plans List (http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/contracts/index-list.php?year=16&month=01&day=0)

Look for 09033(16), 09033(25), and 09033(49).

Full set of plans for the 36th to 50th street work are online.

Plans List (http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/contracts/index-list.php?year=16&month=01&day=0)

Look for 09033(16), 09033(25), and 09033(49).

Does this mean work will be starting this year?

Does this mean work will be starting this year?

Bids are due this month, so work could potentially begin in March I'd presume.

Bids are due this month, so work could potentially begin in March I'd presume.

Awesome. I don't look forward to the bottlenecks, but having that stretch of interstate redone will be welcome.

Awesome. I don't look forward to the bottlenecks, but having that stretch of interstate redone will be welcome.

It still is on a pretty stop and go time frame, unless the recent highway bill has changed the schedule, the 8 year plan has some phases not starting till as late as 2020.

It still is on a pretty stop and go time frame, unless the recent highway bill has changed the schedule, the 8 year plan has some phases not starting till as late as 2020.

Talk about hindsight...

It still is on a pretty stop and go time frame, unless the recent highway bill has changed the schedule, the 8 year plan has some phases not starting till as late as 2020.
I could be wrong, but I believe ODOT has this listed as a high priority project along with the 35/240 interchange and phases could be moved up as more funding becomes available. Only bad thing is state revenues have gone down, but congress just past the FAST act which gives almost half a trillion in new funding for highways and road projects, and I think ODOT is getting almost 3.4 billion over the next 4-5 years, so there is a good chance this gets moved up along with a couple other projects.

Sheet 100 is a good overview. Looks like there will be pavement replacement between 50th and 63rd. Doesn't look to be permanent.
Sheet 80 shows the removal of the westbound 50th loop to southbound 235. Looks like they will put in a temporary left turn until 235 is rebuilt (sheet 84).
Sheets 71 and 72 make it clear the new bridge will only be one track. Not surprised as the I44 viaduct is only single track.
Sheet 96 shows the installation of traffic signals at the east end of the 50th Street overpass where it meets Sewell Ave.
Sheet 102 shows the reconstruction of the 50th St bridge. Doesn't say how long 50th will be closed.

It looks like northbound 235 traffic wanting to exit to go east on 44 will exit with the 50th St traffic. Vast improvement to reduce weaving.

Sheets 71 and 72 make it clear the new bridge will only be one track. Not surprised as the I44 viaduct is only single track.


What I don't quite understand is if they are leaving space for a 2nd bridge? Reading the RR work plan, it sounds like it's intended to be a 2 bridge crossing, not just one bridge w/ 2 tracks. A little confusing.

What I don't quite understand is if they are leaving space for a 2nd bridge? Reading the RR work plan, it sounds like it's intended to be a 2 bridge crossing, not just one bridge w/ 2 tracks. A little confusing.

Since traffic has to be maintained, they are building the new bridge offset to the west of the existing track. Once completed, traffic will be moved to the new bridge and the existing one will be torn down. That is why so many of the "stages" are complicated for I-235. They have to work around the bridge. They can't close the BNSF down like they will do to 50th St.

I also notice that the westbound 44 loop to southbound 235 will be closed. Looks like for a long time.

Is there any information about when they'll be building the flyover that will be replacing the eastbound 44 to Broadway Extension loop? Given how it terminates back into the highway, I'm guessing that it'll be much further along in the process.

Frankly I am pretty surprised that the I-35 / I-240 interchange got fast tracked over the completion of this I-44 / I-235 project..

Frankly I am pretty surprised that the I-35 / I-240 interchange got fast tracked over the completion of this I-44 / I-235 project..

I-35/240 has an injury or even fatal wreck at least multiple times per week. Anytime I drove through that area I would always have to turn my radio off and pay extra care to what was happening. It is a desperately needed upgrade.

I-35/240 has an injury or even fatal wreck at least multiple times per week.

I-44 / I-235 is an accident magnet as well. Constantly see wrecks there. Fatalities also happen right there at the 50th street / railroad bridge. Lots of crosses on the side of the road.

I-44 / I-235 is an accident magnet as well. Constantly see wrecks there. Fatalities also happen right there at the 50th street / railroad bridge. Lots of crosses on the side of the road.

There have also been improvements to that junction, yet none to 240/35. Perhaps they decided it was wiser to start getting some improvements done at 240/35.

Any idea what happened to the next phase of this project? Wasn't it supposed to be approved In January or February? Haven't heard a word about it lately.

Any idea what happened to the next phase of this project? Wasn't it supposed to be approved In January or February? Haven't heard a word about it lately.

I suspect the State being broke and getting broker by the day has something to do with it.

Any idea what happened to the next phase of this project? Wasn't it supposed to be approved In January or February? Haven't heard a word about it lately.

The state put two contracts out to bid on the project. They only received one bid and rejected it.