I suspect the State being broke and getting broker by the day has something to do with it.This is from an email they sent me


With the two recent state revenue failures and following cuts to state agencies, all projects this fiscal year that are not already out to bid potentially may have to wait until next fiscal year due to funding uncertainty. We hope to proceed with this much-needed project, but will know more in the next two months.

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

Wonder if the bid exceeded the estimate by too wide a margin? I also see where they have a project out to bid right now that will overlay that section of 235 from north of 36th st to just south of 63rd st.

I-235 Widening Project On The Way - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/31851069/i-235-widening-project-on-the-way)

http://newsok.com/transportation-commission-approves-81m-widening-project-for-i-235/article/5495501

About dang time too. It's been the question all along...what are we gonna do in this stretch so i hope we can get moving quickly. Glad to see incentives, but hopefully it also includes penalties. And having I235 closed on that many weekends seems pretty nuts, but if you've ever driven that section you know there's not a lot of room to work with.

The pace is still insanely slow. If they would have just bid out the entire intersection at once this project would be nearing completion. Insanity.

So, railroad bridge.... NW 50th Street bridge and north and southbound 235 bridges. I'd like to get a pic of that ghost town on one of those weekends.

Stephen Tyler...drone time!

In the words of Reggie Jackson: I am "crying tears of joy" that this project has finally got the green light!

This is a really good article about this project.

http://www.edmondsun.com/news/next-phase-to-kick-off-at----/article_e1358336-1235-11e6-8da9-d7c0e82ff76f.html

Regardless of the lack of flyovers for the interstate connections, this should easily be the most impressive interchange in the state when this is done.

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/edmondsun.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/2e/02eaa7da-1237-11e6-aacf-f3af52581c2c/572a5ca2bf10b.image.jpg

I was looking at that image as west being north and saying "what the frick" to myself... way to go Edmond Sun!

I was looking at that image as west being north and saying "what the frick" to myself... way to go Edmond Sun!

While they could have easily have turned the image, the origin of the poor orientation looks like it is from what ODOT released

This is a really good article about this project.

http://www.edmondsun.com/news/next-phase-to-kick-off-at----/article_e1358336-1235-11e6-8da9-d7c0e82ff76f.html

Regardless of the lack of flyovers for the interstate connections, this should easily be the most impressive interchange in the state when this is done.

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/edmondsun.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/2e/02eaa7da-1237-11e6-aacf-f3af52581c2c/572a5ca2bf10b.image.jpg

Three years for a quarter-mile stretch of road seems ridiculous to me. And I don't think they will actually start on time for the projects listed below.


2018: Reconstruct I-235 between north of Northwest 50th Street through the I-44 interchange to Northwest 63rd Street. Estimated $42 million.

• 2019: Flyover ramps/bridges of northbound I-235 to westbound I-44 and eastbound I-44 to northbound I-235. Estimated $31 million.

• 2020: Reconstruct westbound I-44 to northbound I-235/US-77 ramp. Estimated $24 million

Three years for a quarter-mile stretch of road seems ridiculous to me. And I don't think they will actually start on time for the projects listed below.


2018: Reconstruct I-235 between north of Northwest 50th Street through the I-44 interchange to Northwest 63rd Street. Estimated $42 million.

• 2019: Flyover ramps/bridges of northbound I-235 to westbound I-44 and eastbound I-44 to northbound I-235. Estimated $31 million.

• 2020: Reconstruct westbound I-44 to northbound I-235/US-77 ramp. Estimated $24 million

They should just do a total shutdown of the intersection work 24/7 and get it done in 6 months.

They should just do a total shutdown of the intersection work 24/7 and get it done in 6 months.

While that could be done in a phased approach too, the first issue is the state does not have the money to do it at once, then they have to balance it with other projects that have needed work for years as well, since pissing off all the senators/congressmen not having work in their district while one project happens is bad for their careers.

Here's a bigger picture of that map

https://localtvkfor.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/construction1.png

- https://localtvkfor.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/construction1.png

Shouldn't they do the flyover ramps first to accomodate room for the 235 widening and aforementioned wider circled cloverleaf ramps?

Looking forward to seeing Phase 2B complete, but it'll be a while before that happens.

Shouldn't they do the flyover ramps first to accomodate room for the 235 widening and aforementioned wider circled cloverleaf ramps?

The flyovers are being built before the main bridge structures over I-44. This will allow the northbound bridge to be built directly east of the current northbound bridge.

Was driving home around 1am this morning, and it looks like they were doing work on both sides of the railroad bridge on the tracks. I wonder if that was early work for this or some unrelated maintenance.

Not sure on the rail bridge, but they put in barriers to block the shoulder on both sides of 240 near Shields. They've also pulled out the interstate lighting. Looks like they're getting ready to pull out some dirt/concrete. I just hope they keep all 3 lanes open!!!!!

Not sure on the rail bridge, but they put in barriers to block the shoulder on both sides of 240 near Shields. They've also pulled out the interstate lighting. Looks like they're getting ready to pull out some dirt/concrete. I just hope they keep all 3 lanes open!!!!!

I think you're on the wrong intersection ?

Not sure on the rail bridge, but they put in barriers to block the shoulder on both sides of 240 near Shields. They've also pulled out the interstate lighting. Looks like they're getting ready to pull out some dirt/concrete. I just hope they keep all 3 lanes open!!!!!

Yeah, what you're thinking of is Phase 1a of the I-35 / I-240 Interchange (http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=41777). 1a will reconfigure the ramps between Santa Fe and Shields to serve traffic to and from Santa Fe (instead of Shields), resurface and rebuild the main highway road surface between the Santa Fe overpass and just east of Shields, build a new exit ramp from I-240 E to I-35 S, and rebuild the service roads between Santa Fe and Shields, as well as relocate the SW service road from Shields to SE 82nd St. There's more discussion of that interchange and pictures of the plans in the thread linked above.

Has anyone heard when the overlay project is supposed to start?

Has anyone heard when the overlay project is supposed to start?


What's the latest scoop on this project? Seems like they are taking forever to get anything going!

What's the latest scoop on this project? Seems like they are taking forever to get anything going!

FY2017 budget cuts. The I235 overlay has been indefinitely delayed. Not sure if the $200M in bonds will include that or not.

Where did you see that? I thought they prioritized this project and it was supposed to start next month or September?

Inside source. A "friend" works for ODOT.

Inside source. A "friend" works for ODOT.

According to the ODOT website it starts next month.

This project has already been funded and let to contract.

I would agree with you, it appears the contract was signed and a work order issued, but i can't seem to find anywhere on ODOT's site that says it starts next month. Where is that?

I would agree with you, it appears the contract was signed and a work order issued, but i can't seem to find anywhere on ODOT's site that says it starts next month. Where is that?

If it's let to contract as stated, they have so many days to start construction. That would be my guess how he knows. I think Buff Bill is in the road construction business btw.

I would agree with you, it appears the contract was signed and a work order issued, but i can't seem to find anywhere on ODOT's site that says it starts next month. Where is that?

On their home page there is a link titled "Current Projects". It brings up a GIS map which has that information.

As always, ODOT responded very quick to my email I sent them.

This is regarding the 44/235 interchange


A resurfacing of I-235 from N. 36th St. to N.W. 63rd St. is scheduled to start in late August. This maintenance project is in preparation for the next construction project.

The I-235 and N. 50th St. project is scheduled to begin in January 2017.

The I-235 and I-44 interchange projects have yet to be let and awarded at this time. They are in the Eight-Year Construction Work Plan for FY 2018, FY 2018 and FY 2020.

On their home page there is a link titled "Current Projects". It brings up a GIS map which has that information.

Ah, thanks, didn't know about their GIS tool....that's pretty neat! I'll have to check it more often. Hopefully they keep it updated frequently.

Construction starts back up this coming Monday, 08/22/2016.

On which phase specifically?

Phase 1: Resurfacing. Looks like they will resurface/widen the entire Broadway stretch in this area (that will eventually be torn up). But is necessary to accommodate the excessive traffic that will be traveling over single lanes and to avoid the weekly repairs that this stretch already requires. (They cannot shut down a lane for repairs when only one lane will be open at times [mostly overnight])

This entire thing is going to be a nightmare for the next 6 years. Look for traffic to increase on both I-35 and Hefner Parkway.

I just wish they would find a way to bring back the Santa Fe bridge project. I realize they can't justify federal funds now, but OKC should take more of an initiative if they haven't already done so and work with ODOT to get it built.

Just tear it down. Would be so much cheaper it's not even funny.

Just tear it down. Would be so much cheaper it's not even funny.

?????????

?????????

This person is beyond reasoning. He shows it time and time again. Now await some comment from him saying I'm unreasonable for wanting a 50 lane highway through 23rd st.

I am struggling to determine if there is going to be a new Southbound 235 exit at 50th Street?
There used to be one, but it was scrapped and removed.

^ It doesn't look like there will be a southbound exit to 50th.

Glad to see they're getting started. Any idea why they're waiting so long from the time the main project's contract was issued (5/13/16) until the work gets started (1/2/17)? Almost 8 months seems like a long time.

I cant seem to get a clear answer. Is this construction project eventually going to make I-235 six lanes all the way through the interchange to broadway extension?

I cant seem to get a clear answer. Is this construction project eventually going to make I-235 six lanes all the way through the interchange to broadway extension?


YES! This is the best part of the project, however, I don't understand why it has to take six years.

They have already resurfaced part of the southbound passing lane. Vehicle suspensions and tires everywhere are already sighing relief. Much more re surfacing left to get this stretch ready.

The entire project is slated for 6 years, because it is done in phases. You have to remember they are rebuilding this interchange while keeping two lanes open during the day because of the gross amount of traffic through here.


Remember they are turning this:

http://i.imgur.com/FX5UxHy.jpg


Into this:

http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-8814dc4030440cc5185d45f0e3567a8c.jpg

It is an absolute sham that this is going to take 6 years!

It is an absolute sham that this is going to take 6 years!

Cash flow and politics are why it will take 6 years. ODOT only has $xxx dollars to spend each year. If they diverted most of it to one project, especially one in either major urban area, the rural districts would have a revolt as their projects would be delayed for an equal amount of time.

You can argue about the greater need, but the politics (urban/rural) are what they are and really haven't changed much in 100 years.

Cash flow and politics are why it will take 6 years. ODOT only has $xxx dollars to spend each year. If they diverted most of it to one project, especially one in either major urban area, the rural districts would have a revolt as their projects would be delayed for an equal amount of time.

You can argue about the greater need, but the politics (urban/rural) are what they are and really haven't changed much in 100 years.

And add the fact that the State doesn't use bonds to fund ODOT construction...

If I remember correctly, there will also be six weekends where I-235 will be completely closed at the interchange. Although inconvenient, we're fortunate that we have at least two reasonable N-S alternatives through the metro: the Hefner Pkwy and I-35.

Cash flow and politics are why it will take 6 years. ODOT only has $xxx dollars to spend each year. If they diverted most of it to one project, especially one in either major urban area, the rural districts would have a revolt as their projects would be delayed for an equal amount of time.

You can argue about the greater need, but the politics (urban/rural) are what they are and really haven't changed much in 100 years.


I was told by a friend of mine that works in ODOT that since the governor pledged to bring all the old, out dated bridges up to par, everything else gets bumped. So that old bridge out in Texas county that 20 people drive over a year is getting preference over the I-235/I-44 interchange...

I was told by a friend of mine that works in ODOT that since the governor pledged to bring all the old, out dated bridges up to par, everything else gets bumped. So that old bridge out in Texas county that 20 people drive over a year is getting preference over the I-235/I-44 interchange...

It's true in that there is a limited amount of $$$ for roads; however, that bridge in Texas County probably costs about $750k to replace whereas the I235/I44 interchange costs about 200 times more than that. I would prefer that bridges be fixed first (school buses). I can wait another 5 years for the interchange (and I drive through it twice a day on my commute).

It's true in that there is a limited amount of $$$ for roads; however, that bridge in Texas County probably costs about $750k to replace whereas the I235/I44 interchange costs about 200 times more than that. I would prefer that bridges be fixed first (school buses). I can wait another 5 years for the interchange (and I drive through it twice a day on my commute).

Except I am sure this interchange causes far more injuries, deaths and property damage every year than the bridge in the middle of no where that is being replaced due to narrow lanes and lack of shoulders.

except i am sure this interchange causes far more injuries, deaths and property damage every year than the bridge in the middle of no where that is being replaced due to narrow lanes and lack of shoulders.

this.

Except I am sure this interchange causes far more injuries, deaths and property damage every year than the bridge in the middle of no where that is being replaced due to narrow lanes and lack of shoulders.

THIS! I understand the rural areas of the state need love too, but at some point, we really need to focus on what does the greatest good for the most people. And that, unfortunately for some of these rural places, involves more of a transportation focus on OKC and Tulsa.

I don't disagree that more people use the city interchanges and highways, but there has to be equal representation. Everybody pays taxes and deserves their share of government services, roads and bridges, etc. It's just the way it is.

I don't disagree that more people use the city interchanges and highways, but there has to be equal representation. Everybody pays taxes and deserves their share of government services, roads and bridges, etc. It's just the way it is.

I agree.

The interchanges are high profile -- and will get done. The smaller projects throughout the state are easier to push back and delay. Let's pay for them now while the political willpower is there to upgrade them. The political willpower will always be present to get these large interchanges done.

THIS! I understand the rural areas of the state need love too, but at some point, we really need to focus on what does the greatest good for the most people. And that, unfortunately for some of these rural places, involves more of a transportation focus on OKC and Tulsa.

There is already a focus on the larger metro projects. What percentage would you consider to be "fair"? It's already nearly 66% to the metro areas.

Except I am sure this interchange causes far more injuries, deaths and property damage every year than the bridge in the middle of no where that is being replaced due to narrow lanes and lack of shoulders.

Injuries and death? How many deaths have occurred there? My experience in driving it every day is that stupidity causes most of the accidents. That isn't going to change with the new interchange.

Injuries and death? How many deaths have occurred there? My experience in driving it every day is that stupidity causes most of the accidents. That isn't going to change with the new interchange.

I'll have to see if I can find the interchange specific data later, but last year the City of OKC had 36.4% of all fatal accidents in the state. If you include the whole metro, you are pushing over 50%. Tulsa accounts for another large chunk. Of total accidents, just the city of OKC had 17,867 accidents last year, about 1/3 of all accidents in the state (again the whole metro is up at ~50%).

Traffic engineering research has shown that poorly designed, overcapacity roads lead to accidents and accidents are much more likely to occur at interchanges. I understand that money needs to flow around the state, but these horrible interchanges in the state that collectively cause hundreds of accidents a year need to be addressed, and taking over 10 years to complete the construction on one interchange is ridiculous. Especially when the design was less than ideal the day it was released, by 2021 it will be almost obsolete.