The meeting handouts and further details can be found for download at: https://www.ok.gov/odot/Programs_and_Projects/Public_Meetings_and_Hearings/20200218.html.

Honestly, what the hell are they thinking with that alternative 4 in particular? Hey, why don't we pave over every single stretch of retail and housing that happens to be next to the interstate, but not with more interstate but with giant, wide-ranging frontage roads.
It will make perfect sense, given all their funding and past genius decisions, that they'll choose alternative 4.

The meeting handouts and further details can be found for download at: https://www.ok.gov/odot/Programs_and_Projects/Public_Meetings_and_Hearings/20200218.html.

Honestly, what the hell are they thinking with that alternative 4 in particular? Hey, why don't we pave over every single stretch of retail and housing that happens to be next to the interstate, but not with more interstate but with giant, wide-ranging frontage roads.
I realize you are being sarcastic but come on. As long as the owners are properly compensated, you should not be surprised if your property is directly adjacent to a freeway or major road. We can build in other others and those areas become more dense.

The problem is that alt 4 is not an urban design, it's a suburban or rural design. Massive land waste for no good reason other than wasting land.

Hey, I live right next to I-44. If someday there's a redevelopment that needs to expand through my condo complex then at the very least I would want it to be for a properly urban design and not something stupid like this alt 4.

Exactly. If funding is truly such an issue, then why waste so much money on unnecessary frontage roads and related property acquisition?

I just wish they'd finish the I-240/I-35 interchange project before I retire. I think it's already a decade-plus behind schedule, with the last four phases still pending over the next, I think, several years.

I just wish they'd finish the I-240/I-35 interchange project before I retire. I think it's already a decade-plus behind schedule, with the last four phases still pending over the next, I think, several years.
That interchange and the 40/44 interchange should have been done years ago!

Could they elevate the roads where the houses are located, or is this a terrible and infeasible idea?

Could they elevate the roads where the houses are located, or is this a terrible and infeasible idea?

That would be more money than just buying ROW. It would be a long time before ODOT did anything anyway especially if they did go with the more expensive option. Like others have said, there are more important things for ODOT to be focusing on that are already further down the pipeline

In alt 4 most of those house displacements (and park displacements, and retail displacements, and golf course displacements, etc.) are by the frontage roads, and it seems doubtful those could be elevated while still serving the purpose of a frontage road.

^I can't imagine the City being excited about the frontage cutting through Lincoln, or Twin Hills having their historic property ruined.

^I can't imagine the City being excited about the frontage cutting through Lincoln, or Twin Hills having their historic property ruined.

Yeah, there is no way alt 4 is happening. ODOT is just presenting that as the bitter pill so that alt 2 would be easier to swallow by the local neighborhoods. The amount of right of way is huge with alt 4. The worst thing about the existing "frontage roads' is that they are random and disjointed, if they actually connected them it wouldn't be bad for the area.

Alternative 4 would be the best by far. I highly doubt it happens though. It would allow for future expansion which is going to be inevitable when the area becomes even more built up. I am not crazy about the two way frontage roads with alt. 4 but those can be converted later on. I wish they would go for alternative 4 but knowing OkDOT's practices I suspect no. 2 is chosen.

Apparently much land in this area is classified as rural which is interesting.

Exactly. If funding is truly such an issue, then why waste so much money on unnecessary frontage roads and related property acquisition?

Because in the future I-35 will need to be expanded again. I only wish OkDOT would plan like this and I have yet to see them do so. TxDOT has enough ROW for state numbered roads to be expanded to 14+ lanes in some areas and yet I-35 through south OKC will have trouble being widened to accommodate 8 lanes. Highly unlikely OkDOT chooses alt 4 anyways as their tactics seem to be provide the most detail on the alternative they want and show one that usually is out of their normal construction practice. Alt. 4 is both of those.

I can't believe they are still considering constructing the same 1950s 2-way access roads. You would think the fact there are tens of millions being spent in Edmond to get away from this dangerous, antiquated design is beyond reason.

Also, it appears, like on the Kilpatrick Tollway up north, they want to crowd the exit ramps right up close to the major cross street so there would be potential left-turn lane backups onto the exit ramps.

I can't believe they are still considering constructing the same 1950s 2-way access roads. You would think the fact there are tens of millions being spent in Edmond to get away from this dangerous, antiquated design is beyond reason.


+1. Those roads are idiotic in this day and age. It's not like there are business that need 2-way access.


Also, it appears, like on the Kilpatrick Tollway up north, they want to crowd the exit ramps right up close to the major cross street so there would be potential left-turn lane backups onto the exit ramps.

Alt 4 is useless. Takes way too much land, has ramps crowded too close to the interchanges, looks to have eliminated the railroad access to the Railway museum, etc. etc. As mentioned, it looks as if they threw in that ludicrous alternative just so one of the others wouldn't seem so bad.

From the ODOT twitter account today: https://twitter.com/OKDOT/status/1233489585776332801


OKC: We're looking for your feedback on the potential redesign of I-35 between I-40 and I-44 in OKC. For the the survey: http://ow.ly/RVw950yyVbf

Direct link to the survey: https://i-35improvements.metroquest.com/

From the ODOT twitter account today: https://twitter.com/OKDOT/status/1233489585776332801



Direct link to the survey: https://i-35improvements.metroquest.com/

Thanks for that!

Since there is only a short distance where the residential crowds the highway, they could cantilever a lane of the access road over a shoulder of a 3-lane-each-side l-35.

^^^^ and what about when they need to expand it to 8, 10, or more lanes in the future? If it’s already this tight for a six lane widening OkDOT is doing the smart thing by buying ROW when it’s cheap.

The 25 year long term plan needs input and here is some information on it with a link to take a survey. I already did but since OkDOT hates me they probably won't care about my opinion lol

https://www.oklongrangeplan.org/

Details for the next phase of the I-40 widening and modernization project are being released. Some notable information is a full roundabout interchange at McLoud Rd, a small two way service road by the casino, and sadly finances have delayed this project with all 3 phases not set to be fully finished until 2027 or so. Hopefully it gets pushed up a couple years.

Map:
https://i.imgur.com/akz08FA.png

3D fly through of the project: https://clients.freese.com/ODOTI40PottawatomieCo//3D/ODOT%20Final%203D%20Visualization%20I40%207_23_202 0.mp4

OkDOT: https://www.ok.gov/triton/modules/newsroom/newsroom_article.php?id=277&article_id=60881

The meeting handouts and further details can be found for download at: https://www.ok.gov/odot/Programs_and_Projects/Public_Meetings_and_Hearings/20200218.html.

Honestly, what the hell are they thinking with that alternative 4 in particular? Hey, why don't we pave over every single stretch of retail and housing that happens to be next to the interstate, but not with more interstate but with giant, wide-ranging frontage roads.
As expected, alt. 4 has been dropped from consideration and ODOT will only be considering 2 and 3.

I-35 widening between I-40 and I-44.
https://www.odot.org/meetings/a2020/200218/update.pdf

Also regarding I-40 in the eastern metro the preferred alternative for Douglas Blvd interchange has been selected as the SPUI. Construction starts 2025.

https://i.imgur.com/zWN0a5d.jpg

https://www.odot.org/meetings/a2017/170117/flyer072020.pdf

As expected, alt. 4 has been dropped from consideration and ODOT will only be considering 2 and 3.

I-35 widening between I-40 and I-44.
https://www.odot.org/meetings/a2020/200218/update.pdf
Good. When is the expansion scheduled to begin?

Good. When is the expansion scheduled to begin?
2026/2027 :/

2026/2027 :/
Of course. : (

Of course. : (
Even before the COVID pandemic OkDOT was already pushing projects back. Projects like the Douglas Blvd interchange and Waterloo road schedule for 2020/21 were pushed back several years. The I-35 widening stayed the same regarding its schedule. I swear I read somewhere that the entire I-40 widening to Shawnee was supposed to be done around 2023 or so. Now it’s 2027.

Details for the next phase of the I-40 widening and modernization project are being released. Some notable information is a full roundabout interchange at McLoud Rd, a small two way service road by the casino, and sadly finances have delayed this project with all 3 phases not set to be fully finished until 2027 or so. Hopefully it gets pushed up a couple years.

Map:
https://i.imgur.com/akz08FA.png

3D fly through of the project: https://clients.freese.com/ODOTI40PottawatomieCo//3D/ODOT%20Final%203D%20Visualization%20I40%207_23_202 0.mp4

OkDOT: https://www.ok.gov/triton/modules/newsroom/newsroom_article.php?id=277&article_id=60881

I like that they are experimenting with the roundabout interchanges. Do we have any of those elsewhere in Oklahoma?


As expected, alt. 4 has been dropped from consideration and ODOT will only be considering 2 and 3.

I-35 widening between I-40 and I-44.
https://www.odot.org/meetings/a2020/200218/update.pdf

Excellent. Of the two remaining options I prefer alt. 2, but only mildly so compared to alt. 3.

So are they proposing putting this before the widen I-40 between Air Depot and the 240 junction? If so, that seems to be a plan that's backwards....

So are they proposing putting this before the widen I-40 between Air Depot and the 240 junction? If so, that seems to be a plan that's backwards....

on the current ODOT 8 year plan (new one comes out in OCT) that portion of I-40 is also in 2027

on the current ODOT 8 year plan (new one comes out in OCT) that portion of I-40 is also in 2027
Are you sure? I don’t see that portion.

are you sure? I don’t see that portion.

i-40: From the douglas interchange, extend east 5.0 miles
jp# 3101105 ffy 2027 grade, drain & surface $ 25,500,000

That’s East. Wouldn’t Air Depot Road be west?

That’s East. Wouldn’t Air Depot Road be west?

that is douglas to 240 the section from just east of eaker gate to just west of Douglas (1/2 mile ) currently has no plans to be widened

https://tulsaworld.com/news/local/odot-seeking-public-input-for-its-communications-social-media/article_112a2c8c-08ee-11eb-a9a9-d7eb44c2eb01.html

ODOT has a refreshed website with the new state branding.

An ODOT website that doesn't look like it's from the 90s? What madness is this?

I wish OkDOT would build some wildlife bridges around the state.

https://www.kcrg.com/2020/11/24/watch-wildlife-uses-utahs-first-interstate-crossing-just-for-them/

new odot 8 year plan

https://www.odot.org/cwp-8-year-plan/cwp_ffy2020-ffy2027/8_year_cwp_divisionokc_map.pdf

new odot 8 year plan

https://www.odot.org/cwp-8-year-plan/cwp_ffy2020-ffy2027/8_year_cwp_divisionokc_map.pdf

I believe this is still last years. 2021-2028 8 year plan is being presented for approval on 12/7 at the ODOT Commission Meeting.

I believe this is still last years. 2021-2028 8 year plan is being presented for approval on 12/7 at the ODOT Commission Meeting.

i think you are correct ... sorry for the post ..

they got me with the "last modified date" on the bottom of this page https://oklahoma.gov/odot/programs-and-projects/8-year-construction-work-plan.html

I thought they had discussed the 8yr plan in November? Was it continued?

They said it would be discussed in the 12/7 meeting. They're going to have an in person commission meeting for December vs a virtual meeting.

The new 21-28 plan is live on their website:

https://oklahoma.gov/odot/programs-and-projects/8-year-construction-work-plan.html

that's unfortunate... doesn't look like the much needed overpass updates over i-44 at sw 119th and 134th are in the cards.

I haven’t looked at the plan yet but given what I’ve seen around the country with other DOTs facing huge cuts, I’m lowering my hopes big time and crossing my fingers OkDOT will get a boost next year and the 22-29 plan will be good.

Yeah lots of projects delayed. One big one is the US-81 realignment in Chickasha which is nearly 200 million dollar project to build a new freeway west of the town which is sorely needed. It was supposed to begin 2021 and is now pushed back to 2023.

It also looks like a phase of the I-240/I-35 interchange that was expedited is now pushed back.

I was hoping to see signs of a widened I-35 between I-44 and I-40 on this years plans but so far it appears only utility work and ROW acquisition is planned with no real construction work on the 8yr plan.

As I said I’m not too surprised though. Hopefully next years plan will be better. I’m sure ODOT isn’t happy about it either.

RIP reconstruction of I-44 between SH-74 and I-235 :(

Was really hoping for some traction on that to help out the general quality of life in the surrounding area.

RIP reconstruction of I-44 between SH-74 and I-235 :(

Was really hoping for some traction on that to help out the general quality of life in the surrounding area.

I live just north of I-44 and Penn and that freeway is really trashy (literally) with rusty and broken fencing and weeds everywhere, especially the overpasses and areas immediately adjacent. It's a disgrace.

Also, there is no noise barrier at all (unlike just about every other freeway in town) and it throws a lot of sound into the bordering neighborhoods.

That section was built before anyone cared about anything other than racing cars through as quickly as possible. And now, they seem content to just let it slowly degrade past it's already very low standard.

I will take photos of the areas immediately adjacent; most would be completely shocked and it's an embarrassment to OKC.

RIP reconstruction of I-44 between SH-74 and I-235 :(

Was really hoping for some traction on that to help out the general quality of life in the surrounding area.
Actual construction was never on the 8yr plan just utilities and engineering. This project was likely never going to be started in this decade from my guess. It will easily be close to or north of a billion dollars likely eclipsing the crosstown.

The scope is to widen to 8 lanes and likely rebuild it below or at grade.

RIP reconstruction of I-44 between SH-74 and I-235 :(

Was really hoping for some traction on that to help out the general quality of life in the surrounding area.
I also want to add to this any fingers pointed should be at the state. ODOT has been doing much better with their recent work and plans. Oklahoma is a cheap state and given the extremely low taxes here the state is limited what they can build and provide for its citizens. ODOT can only do so much with such a small budget. Frankly, I’m surprised at what they’re able to do and have done as of late.

I hope they’ll start on this project sometime this decade and maybe we’ll get a surprise seeing it added on the 8yr plan before 2025. If it gets dire or Biden proposed a large infrastructure package perhaps ODOT will apply for federal funding and it’ll be done sooner than later.

It would be nice to see it below grade with park caps in some areas.

The scope is to widen to 8 lanes and likely rebuild it below or at grade.

where do you see this ??

I do travel this every day for my commute, would be interested to see what happens should it be allowed to slip any further

where do you see this ??
I’ll have to dig it up but there were a couple news articles a few years back and a study was funded to seek out recommended improvements. Reasons were given as to why the portion near Belle Isle was elevated and why it is no longer needed namely flooding mitigation.

I also believe the 8 lane expansion was mentioned by ODOT as well and is also included in ACOGs 2040 plan which usually provides insight on future projects that haven’t been given many details by the agencies taking them on. Later today when I have time I’ll see if I can dig up a few links.

I think most of the freeway will likely stay at grade but the elevated section is supposedly going to be considered for at or below grade. From what I remember rebuilding as an elevated section was unflavored by ODOT.

where do you see this ??
Sorry I forgot to search this up I’ll do it today.

It looks like ODOT is finally going to embrace zipper merging. Will the days of some tool in an oversized pickup taking up two lanes to prevent someone from merging ahead of him on *his* lane finally come to an end? Lol probably not but at least ODOT will begin to make zipper merging more of formality:


Drivers on I-35 in southern Oklahoma should get ready to “zip” when merging to help improve safety and efficiency in a busy work zone in Garvin County. Beginning this week, speed sensors in the work zone where I-35 narrows to one lane at SH-19 (mm 72) in Pauls Valley will monitor the flow of traffic and adjust the merging method. When congestion begins to build, digital message signs will instruct drivers to continue using both lanes up to the merge point and then take turns merging – alternating between the left and right lanes – into a single lane. This will most likely occur during peak travel times like weekends and holidays.

It’s important to note that this Zipper Merge won’t be in effect at all times and that the new merging method won’t be used in every highway work zone statewide. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation will closely monitor how this first Zipper Merge on I-35 is working and may decide to implement more in the future.

While the Zipper Merge won’t eliminate all traffic tie-ups due to highway construction, the department expects the change to significantly improve the travel conditions on I-35 where implemented.

- https://oklahoma.gov/odot/citizen/newsroom/2021/march/oklahoma-s-first-zipper-merge-coming-to-i-35-in-pauls-valley-thi.html

I don’t like everything ODOT said like “zipper merging works best in less congested areas” which, IMO, is exactly the opposite. Zipper merging is extremely simple: stay in your lane, let one car in front of you at the merge point, and, that’s it. This should be done statewide.

I don’t like everything ODOT said like “zipper merging works best in less congested areas” which, IMO, is exactly the opposite. Zipper merging is extremely simple: stay in your lane, let one car in front of you at the merge point, and, that’s it. This should be done statewide.

If you reread the third to last paragraph I think they were referencing the older early merge method (with its "merge now" reminder signs) as the method that works best in less congested areas. The heavy traffic load on this section of I-35 is why they've selected it as the location of the state's first zipper merge.

Does Lake Hefner Parkway fall under ODOT maintenance? It’s a pretty well taken care of road that has lasted over time but recently it seems like In the southbound lanes in all three lanes just a little north of the Grand Blvd overpass it has started deteriorating and making a pot hole/ rough patch of the road.

Has anyone else noticed this? I feel like it’s getting worse in all three lanes in the one little spot otherwise it’s a perfect smooth road

Does Lake Hefner Parkway fall under ODOT maintenance? It’s a pretty well taken care of road that has lasted over time but recently it seems like In the southbound lanes in all three lanes just a little north of the Grand Blvd overpass it has started deteriorating and making a pot hole/ rough patch of the road.

Has anyone else noticed this? I feel like it’s getting worse in all three lanes in the one little spot otherwise it’s a perfect smooth road
I noticed that, but no matter, whoever built this road should have been given the construction contracts for the entire state. That road has held up incredibly well.

Lake Hefner Parkway is an ODOT road—it is State Highway 74. Good rule of thumb is if it has a number and it isn't tolled, it's ODOT's responsibility.