Well what happened on Tuesday is not going to help out on those matters. I would argue that we're now worse off after Tuesday.

Good luck getting education moving in a positive direction now. We've already lost at least one major deal due to the state of our education. That company said that it was a contributing factor to choosing Kansas over us. With the plans these elected folks ( i wont even both saying their names ) have in store for the state, forget being 49th, we're going to pass Mississippi and solidly get in to 50th position. Nothing but bad is happening and if you think you have a teacher shortage now, wait until next school year. I expect another mass exodus as the new superintendent starts deploying his plans.

Rural Oklahoma, you did it. And you're going to get the schools that you deserve now because of it.

^^

We should steer this back to topic and keep the political comments in the political section. You both take care.

Here's an article from entrans that states the Biden Administration is attempting to reverse the trend with his signature of the Transportation Act in 2021:

https://www.enotrans.org/article/highway-donor-states-r-i-p/

It was horrible in the late 90's / 2000's which is why Oklahoma legislators approved the CIP fund, their $1 Billion for transportation projects.



Woah that is awesome. The charts and data are actually really easily found and aren't convoluted. I just jumped around a little looking at 93 (p. 16) (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/hs93/Sec4.pdf), 95 (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/1995/fe221.pdf), 97 (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/hs97/fe221.pdf), 98-03 (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policy/ohim/hs02/fe221b.cfm), and 2010 (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/statistics/2010/fe221.cfm)- looks like it was a low ratio through the 90's with a peak in 97 and then in 2001-2002. Then at least by 2010 the total average ratio was 1.00 with nearly a 1.5 ratio for the year.

This is a lot of pretty cool data - thanks for helping me find it.

Woah that is awesome. The charts and data are actually really easily found and aren't convoluted. I just jumped around a little looking at 93 (p. 16) (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/hs93/Sec4.pdf), 95 (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/1995/fe221.pdf), 97 (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/hs97/fe221.pdf), 98-03 (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policy/ohim/hs02/fe221b.cfm), and 2010 (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/statistics/2010/fe221.cfm)- looks like it was a low ratio through the 90's with a peak in 97 and then in 2001-2002. Then at least by 2010 the total average ratio was 1.00 with nearly a 1.5 ratio for the year.

This is a lot of pretty cool data - thanks for helping me find it.

You're welcome. Historically the larger populations in the northeast have received the most money from Washington and a lot of it is due to the needs earlier-on in terms of growing capacity, etc. The numbers are showing that it's slowly been reversing. I mean, I can't fault that thinking back in the day especially when our roads out here were, well, much newer if you want to call it that. But the pendulum has been swinging back to us because our highways and roads have deteriorated to the point many are becoming dangerous. I think the state has made great strides in trying to recover, but I know there's a lot of work to be done. I do think there needs to be some changes within ODOT to become more modernized, maybe some younger minds in roadway and design, right-of-way. For example, I've always been critical of the way ODOT buys up so much right-of-way for urban interchanges. They still believe in having the long and curved entrance/exit ramps, etc., but all that does is create more grassy areas that are ultimately unkept, overgrown, and ugly. The freeways in the DFW metro area are fantastic and even though they have more capacity they have generally a much lesser footprint with their service roads abutted right up next to the freeways and well placed entrance and exit ramps. Anyway, I could go on and on.

Oklahoma is set to receive 2.1 billion for roads and transportation infrastructure. It would be nice to see projects expedited.

https://kfor.com/news/local/oklahoma-to-receive-2-5-billion-from-federal-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-funds-and-more-to-come/

Oklahoma is set to receive 2.1 billion for roads and transportation infrastructure. It would be nice to see projects expedited.

https://kfor.com/news/local/oklahoma-to-receive-2-5-billion-from-federal-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-funds-and-more-to-come/

Don't hold your breath. ODOT must be salivating knowing how many 1950s era Cloverleafs and Left Exits they could build with this $.

One, Oklahoma’s congressional delegation has little real influence and respect as a group.
Two, we don’t have good planning and a state commitment to help fund quality projects to gain fed support.

State leadership has been more about lifestyle than actual pragmatic leadership. Attracting businesses because we have a cheap labor pool and cheap housing is a losing strategy.

Speaking of cheap labor, business and political leaders say don't raise min. wage. To do so kills jobs and send unemployment rate up. But does that work out in real life? NOPE!

Minimum Wage and Unemployment Rate:
Oklahoma - $7.25, 3.2%
Missouri - $11.10, 2.4%
Nebraska - $9.00, 2.2%

Speaking of cheap labor, business and political leaders say don't raise min. wage. To do so kills jobs and send unemployment rate up. But does that work out in real life? NOPE!

Minimum Wage and Unemployment Rate:
Oklahoma - $7.25, 3.2%
Missouri - $11.10, 2.4%
Nebraska - $9.00, 2.2%

A raise in Oklahoma min. wage will be needed to attract workers, if ODOT's lower paying jobs don't pay as much as around $9 or $10 an
hour.

Oklahoma is set to receive 2.1 billion for roads and transportation infrastructure. It would be nice to see projects expedited.

https://kfor.com/news/local/oklahoma-to-receive-2-5-billion-from-federal-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-funds-and-more-to-come/

Article mentioned quite literally everything except the $352 million for public transportation that will also be heading our way over the next 5 years.

edit: lmfao my bad, that's unless you want to include the slight mention of it in the second paragraph of the article, despite it being the item we are receiving the second-largest amount of funding for.

Don't hold your breath. ODOT must be salivating knowing how many 1950s era Cloverleafs and Left Exits they could build with this $.

You got me, I laughed :D

Speaking of cheap labor, business and political leaders say don't raise min. wage. To do so kills jobs and send unemployment rate up. But does that work out in real life? NOPE!

Minimum Wage and Unemployment Rate:
Oklahoma - $7.25, 3.2%
Missouri - $11.10, 2.4%
Nebraska - $9.00, 2.2%

There are very few jobs that pay minimum wage. You can go to a fast food restaurant and earn 10+ an hour.

Speaking of cheap labor, business and political leaders say don't raise min. wage. To do so kills jobs and send unemployment rate up. But does that work out in real life? NOPE!

Minimum Wage and Unemployment Rate:
Oklahoma - $7.25, 3.2%
Missouri - $11.10, 2.4%
Nebraska - $9.00, 2.2%

That's a joke I have been trying to hire a phone receptionist for the last several months No experience required and we pay 15 hr with benefits, medical and retirement and I cant find anyone. All i have is people with college degrees and or previous managers wanting 20-22 per hour applying for a job answering phones. If I advertised at &7.25 hr...wouldn't get any applicants

Better to compare the average wages versus the cost of living to determine the disposable income people have. Anecdotally, I’ve noticed people in Oklahoma on average seem to have more disposable income.

That's a joke I have been trying to hire a phone receptionist for the last several months No experience required and we pay 15 hr with benefits, medical and retirement and I cant find anyone. All i have is people with college degrees and or previous managers wanting 20-22 per hour applying for a job answering phones. If I advertised at &7.25 hr...wouldn't get any applicants

This has been our exact issue the last time we needed to hire someone.

I saw a baby sitting job for like 20 or so hours a week at $17 hr. One small boy. Almost makes me want to go back to work. Bad knees and higher risk if I get covid. Maybe some of us almost or just barely seniors need to look at those jobs.

$15 might not be bad for a semi or retired person to pick up some cash.

Better to compare the average wages versus the cost of living to determine the disposable income people have. Anecdotally, I’ve noticed people in Oklahoma on average seem to have more disposable income.

Maybe that explains why there has been no effort in Oklahoma to petition to raise the minimum wage. Instead, Oklahomans have been more determined about the need to get marijuana legalized ever since 2014. But with rent well up in Oklahoma City and probably across the state, not as many people are going to afford rent any more if only making around $10 an hour. Minimum wage in Arkansas is $11. Wingstop in Stillwater was advertising paying $10 an hour in Stillwater before it opened last summer. Maybe the company thought that was generous. If the state can ever repeal the tax on food, that will help coping with inflation, including high price of gas, along with low wages.

That's a joke I have been trying to hire a phone receptionist for the last several months No experience required and we pay 15 hr with benefits, medical and retirement and I cant find anyone. All i have is people with college degrees and or previous managers wanting 20-22 per hour applying for a job answering phones. If I advertised at &7.25 hr...wouldn't get any applicants

The market takes care of itself instead of artificial interference from the government.

Plus, l bet most minimum wage jobs are either in rural areas or special situations like college student work in their major.

so, back to ODOT... do we think the reason for pushing back a few of the larger projects was to wait for this 2.5 billion to come in?

so, back to ODOT... do we think the reason for pushing back a few of the larger projects was to wait for this 2.5 billion to come in?

$2.5 billion whose buying power is shrinking by 10% or so annually due to inflation.

$2.5 billion whose buying power is shrinking by 10% or so annually due to inflation.

cool. but not really relevant to the discussion at hand

Yes, it actually is. The expected funds aren't going to pay for nearly as much as once thought. Instead of postponing, the state should be issuing revenue anticipation bonds to build now and pay the bonds off once $ actually comes in.

so, back to ODOT... do we think the reason for pushing back a few of the larger projects was to wait for this 2.5 billion to come in?
Fingers crossed. This could easily pay for the entire I-240/I-35 interchange, US-75/I-44 interchange in Tulsa, and the I-44/I-40 interchange with funds left over to complete several other projects around the state.

Yes, it actually is. The expected funds aren't going to pay for nearly as much as once thought. Instead of postponing, the state should be issuing revenue anticipation bonds to build now and pay the bonds off once $ actually comes in.

Yes to GARVEE Bonds! Oklahoma has used them in the past and this is a great idea of utilizing them now then paying it off later once Uncle Sam wires us the money.

Fingers crossed. This could easily pay for the entire I-240/I-35 interchange, US-75/I-44 interchange in Tulsa, and the I-44/I-40 interchange with funds left over to complete several other projects around the state.

It would be nice to complete 4 laning of Highway 33 from Langston to Perkins assuming it's not already in the works from being funded.

It would be nice to complete 4 laning of Highway 33 from Langston to Perkins assuming it's not already in the works from being funded.

It is already scheduled. FFY2023 for the grade and drain and FFY2025 for paving. The second bridge over the Cimarron at Coyle is scheduled for FFY2023
https://oklahoma.gov/odot/programs-and-projects/8-year-construction-work-plan.html

Looks like there starting to widen I35 to 6 lanes South of Norman soon.
1780917810

https://www.i35mcclaincounty.com/

When they rebuilt the Ladd bridge over 35 you could tell by the way it was built that it was designed to accommodate widening the interstate. It's about time. And as someone who frequents 35 to Dallas at least twice monthly, it should be 6-laned all the way to the Texas state line.

ODOT rolled out a new map tool to track construction projects: https://oklahoma.public.dotmapsapp.com/map

It is actually much better than the last two ways they had of tracking and staying up to date on current construction projects. They’ve pretty much stopped updating their page and major construction projects with a few exceptions.

ODOT will soon hold meetings to discuss ways to include more multimodal aspects of new construction to offer more mobility options: https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/odot/meetings/a2023/2023%20Multimodal%20CP%20Public%20Notice%20Documen t-official.pdf

US-70 bridge over Lake Texoma will be replaced in 2029: https://us70laketexoma.transportationplanroom.com/home

That is a big project. I just drove over that bridge this week for the first time in 15 years and was wondering when it was built. I knew it was old but never realized how old.

It looks like per the plans they will build a much longer bridge that won’t be connected to a land berm and it will possibly(hopefully) have a pedestrian/bike path.

It looks like per the plans they will build a much longer bridge that won’t be connected to a land berm and it will possibly(hopefully) have a pedestrian/bike path.

Not sure they will get started that soon. They still don't have all the funding allocated for it.

I don't know if this is under the purview of ODOT but many of the interstate signs are in terrible shape. Unless you're from here, how are you supposed to find your way around with these illegible signs?

I don't know if this is under the purview of ODOT but many of the interstate signs are in terrible shape. Unless you're from here, how are you supposed to find your way around with these illegible signs?

So true. I've been joking that most of the signs on I-40 between I-44 and Morgan Rd look like half-solved Wheel of Fortune puzzles. Fortunately, those appear to be in the process of being replaced.

So true. I've been joking that most of the signs on I-40 between I-44 and Morgan Rd look like half-solved Wheel of Fortune puzzles. Fortunately, those appear to be in the process of being replaced.

I don't know the cost difference, but I have seen more and more of the standard highway green signs in larger cities replaced with essentially LED digital billboards that stand out much better for way finding. In places like DFW, even with a GPS/Google Maps/Car play, road signs are still helpful with multiple lanes converging at various points throughout the metroplex.

I know ODOT has been gradually replacing the gantry style overhead signs with the water pipe signs.

The SB section of I-35 from Memorial Rd. to NW 22nd will receive an additional lane: https://oklahoma.gov/odot/programs-and-projects0/public-meetings-and-hearings0/public-meetings-and-hearings/20230801.html

The SB section of I-35 from Memorial Rd. to NW 22nd will receive an additional lane: https://oklahoma.gov/odot/programs-and-projects0/public-meetings-and-hearings0/public-meetings-and-hearings/20230801.html

fantastic and a much needed project ...

The SB section of I-35 from Memorial Rd. to NW 22nd will receive an additional lane: https://oklahoma.gov/odot/programs-and-projects0/public-meetings-and-hearings0/public-meetings-and-hearings/20230801.html

Seams like this will create a lot of confusion for truckers but absolutely believe stopping truck traffic from crossing all lanes to get off at 122.

The SB section of I-35 from Memorial Rd. to NW 22nd will receive an additional lane: https://oklahoma.gov/odot/programs-and-projects0/public-meetings-and-hearings0/public-meetings-and-hearings/20230801.html

I live right near this interchange. I am very interested in this project because I drive through here almost daily.
I got the postcard in the mail and will be attending this meeting.
I might not have suggestions as to how this interchange can be more efficient (I'm curious to hear other's takes) but I do know what a mess it is!

North bound I-35 from 122nd is dangerous. Merging on I-35 while all those Semi's are getting over in the same lane to take I-44 to Tulsa. There are always wrecks here.

Exiting the either the Turner or the Kilpatrick Turnpikes southbound is a disaster. I see semis and trucks cross 3 lanes of traffic frequently to make the 122nd exit. Maybe a dedicated flyover with a 122nd exit on the north side of 122nd would help.

I do suggest using Sooner road more. Maybe better signage showing where it is?

Also, ALL the high way exits and entrances on Memorial are JUNK. I despise that they are all on one side of the highway.

Curious to hear other's ideas too.
I attached a Google aerial of the whole interchange.

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I live right near this interchange. I am very interested in this project because I drive through here almost daily.
I got the postcard in the mail and will be attending this meeting.
I might not have suggestions as to how this interchange can be more efficient (I'm curious to hear other's takes) but I do know what a mess it is!

North bound I-35 from 122nd is dangerous. Merging on I-35 while all those Semi's are getting over in the same lane to take I-44 to Tulsa. There are always wrecks here.

Exiting the either the Turner or the Kilpatrick Turnpikes southbound is a disaster. I see semis and trucks cross 3 lanes of traffic frequently to make the 122nd exit. Maybe a dedicated flyover with a 122nd exit on the north side of 122nd would help.

I do suggest using Sooner road more. Maybe better signage showing where it is?

Also, ALL the high way exits and entrances on Memorial are JUNK. I despise that they are all on one side of the highway.

Curious to hear other's ideas too.
I attached a Google aerial of the whole interchange.

18158

Not to beat a dead horse, but WB Turner to SB I-35 is another classic example of an OTA/ODOT being cheap and implementing one of their favorite cost cutting maneuvers...the "left exit." And this one is indeed very dangerous. A flyover that merges on the right side of I-35 southbound coupled with a direct exit to NW 122 without having to cross 3 lanes of traffic should have been the design for this interchange from the get go.

Not to beat a dead horse, but WB Turner to SB I-35 is another classic example of an OTA/ODOT being cheap and implementing one of their favorite cost cutting maneuvers...the "left exit." And this one is indeed very dangerous. A flyover that merges on the right side of I-35 southbound coupled with a direct exit to NW 122 without having to cross 3 lanes of traffic should have been the design for this interchange from the get go.

The entirety of I-35 from the I-40 junction all the way up to SH-66 is basically a never ending series of horrendous cost-cutting measures. It doesn't quite take the title from I-44 between Lincoln and NW 36th for the biggest "ODOT special" in the Metro, but it's close.

Not to beat a dead horse, but WB Turner to SB I-35 is another classic example of an OTA/ODOT being cheap and implementing one of their favorite cost cutting maneuvers...the "left exit." And this one is indeed very dangerous. A flyover that merges on the right side of I-35 southbound coupled with a direct exit to NW 122 without having to cross 3 lanes of traffic should have been the design for this interchange from the get go.

Something like the new eastbound I-44 ramp to northbound Broadway that includes a direct exit to 63rd would solve a lot of issues here.

Here’s the proposal:


The proposed project will add a southbound through lane along I-35 beginning just south of Memorial Road extending south to Hefner Road. Dedicated auxiliary lanes will be provided for traffic entering and exiting I-35. To reduce the potential for collisions due to the complex weaving movements at NE 122nd Street, a concrete barrier will be constructed to prevent westbound Turner Turnpike traffic from exiting at NE 122nd Street. Traffic will then be allowed to merge onto I-35 prior to the exit at Hefner Road. Turner Turnpike traffic wanting to access NE 122nd Street will exit to I-35 north and take Sooner Road south to NE 122nd Street.

- https://oklahoma.gov/odot/programs-and-projects0/public-meetings-and-hearings0/public-meetings-and-hearings/20230801.html

Presentation with more details goes live 8/2/2023.

Honestly, this is kind of what I expected. The concrete barrier, though not ideal will certainly be welcome to prevent people from weaving from the left side to the right side of the highway. This will also likely benefit Quiktrip. Kind of sucks for the gas stations though at 122nd who seem to get a fair amount of truck traffic from I-44 SB traffic.

Here’s the proposal:



- https://oklahoma.gov/odot/programs-and-projects0/public-meetings-and-hearings0/public-meetings-and-hearings/20230801.html

Presentation with more details goes live 8/2/2023.

Honestly, this is kind of what I expected. The concrete barrier, though not ideal will certainly be welcome to prevent people from weaving from the left side to the right side of the highway. This will also likely benefit Quiktrip. Kind of sucks for the gas stations though at 122nd who seem to get a fair amount of truck traffic from I-44 SB traffic.

They will just need to put some billboards up telling turner traffic to exit to 35 north and take sooner loop to 122. Pretty easy to do and nice 4 lane roads on entire path. Truckers will figure it out. They will learn the new route and know how to get to their stops

But yes it is perfect set up for quktrip. Unfortunately we still have the traffic on the left side that will need to merge over.

Driving I-35 in the Edmond area the other day I noticed how terrible it is. Wasn't this section redone just a few years ago? Why is it so bad already?

In doing more deep dive research on this, I don't know how I missed this article.

Starting in 2024, Edmond & ODOT are redoing their entire I-35 access points from 33rd to 2nd Street.
They are changing the access roads to one way and widening all bridges including installing Texas turn arounds.

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/local/2023/05/11/interstate-35-edmond-oklahoma-traffic-jams-projects-44-million/70203277007/

18169

In doing more deep dive research on this, I don't know how I missed this article.

Starting in 2024, Edmond & ODOT are redoing their entire I-35 access points from 33rd to 2nd Street.
They are changing the access roads to one way and widening all bridges including installing Texas turn arounds.

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/local/2023/05/11/interstate-35-edmond-oklahoma-traffic-jams-projects-44-million/70203277007/

This will be a HUGE improvement between 2nd Street and 15th Street.

In doing more deep dive research on this, I don't know how I missed this article.

Starting in 2024, Edmond & ODOT are redoing their entire I-35 access points from 33rd to 2nd Street.
They are changing the access roads to one way and widening all bridges including installing Texas turn arounds.

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/local/2023/05/11/interstate-35-edmond-oklahoma-traffic-jams-projects-44-million/70203277007/

18169
I’ve posted about this many times. Not sure how you missed it. Lol. But yes, it starts next year and will be a huge improvement.

ODOT needs to redo SB I-235 where it meets 40 and 35. At one point it's only two lanes, and it backs up EVERY SINGLE DAY from 3-6 PM almost to 23rd St. Need an extra lane or turn the EB I-40 exit into a right lane exit instead of a left.

ODOT needs to redo SB I-235 where it meets 40 and 35. At one point it's only two lanes, and it backs up EVERY SINGLE DAY from 3-6 PM almost to 23rd St. Need an extra lane or turn the EB I-40 exit into a right lane exit instead of a left.

I have never understood why that section between the 6th Street exit and the 5th Street entrance goes down to two lanes, especially when there's enough room on the shoulders for a quick/cheap fix until they decide to fix it properly.

ODOT needs to redo SB I-235 where it meets 40 and 35. At one point it's only two lanes, and it backs up EVERY SINGLE DAY from 3-6 PM almost to 23rd St. Need an extra lane or turn the EB I-40 exit into a right lane exit instead of a left.

I really want to go on another rant on how much ODOT loves cheap yet dangerous "left exits" and how embarrassing they all are compared to most of the interchanges you see in Texas and other neighboring states but I will restrain myself this time.

ODOT needs to redo SB I-235 where it meets 40 and 35. At one point it's only two lanes, and it backs up EVERY SINGLE DAY from 3-6 PM almost to 23rd St. Need an extra lane or turn the EB I-40 exit into a right lane exit instead of a left.
I can’t remember who it was but I talked to one of the engineers sometime ago and they said this whole interchange is being looked at, but it’s going to be a massive project. Pretty much the start of it is going to be the I 35 bridges over the Oklahoma river. I’m sure Boulder sooner knows about it as well.

. Pretty much the start of it is going to be the I 35 bridges over the Oklahoma river..

this is correct the rest is on the back burner .. but the reality is that they can't do much until the bridge over I35 is widened

This will be a HUGE improvement between 2nd Street and 15th Street.

I would change that will be to should be.

What I fear is what I've seen with so many of these projects. They spend 2 or 3 years messing up traffic, then it finally opens and it's soooo nice but after a couple of months they shut down a lane or two to do more work and clog up traffic again.

this is correct the rest is on the back burner .. but the reality is that they can't do much until the bridge over I35 is widened
One thing I would really like but it would EXTREMELY expensive is to replace that loop ramp that takes I-40 EB to the 235 NB into a flyover.

One thing I would really like but it would EXTREMELY expensive is to replace that loop ramp that takes I-40 EB to the 235 NB into a flyover.

This!!!!!!