Can’t get a Cadillac on a Chevy budget. The OK gas tax has not been increased since the late ‘80’s. Couple that with MPG increases over the same time, inflation and no ability to issue bonds, it is a wonder ODOT can do what it does.

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.

That thing is a literal nightmare, very bad planning on ODOT's part when they built that

That thing is a literal nightmare, very bad planning on ODOT's part when they built that

The only good thing I can say about it is at least you don't lose your lane immediately after making the loop.

Can’t get a Cadillac on a Chevy budget. The OK gas tax has not been increased since the late ‘80’s. Couple that with MPG increases over the same time, inflation and no ability to issue bonds, it is a wonder ODOT can do what it does.

The gas tax was increased by 3 cents some years back but none of it goes to the roads.

The gas tax was increased by 3 cents some years back but none of it goes to the roads.

Missed the 2018 increase, thanks for the correction

I went to the ODOT Public meeting last night regarding the overhaul of the I-35 / 122nd Street / Turner / Kilpatrick Turnpike interchange. I did not have high expectations but left even more underwhelmed. They started the meeting off by stating facts about how dangerous this whole interchange has become. Basically, what ODOT proposed is to add concrete barriers to not allow cars & semis to quickly change lanes when merging on. Semis & cars coming off the Turner Turnpike will not be able to get over until well past the 122nd exit. They mentioned trying to route Semis to exit Sooner Road via the I-35 northbound ramp from Turner (zoomed in on the right side of the attached image). They are also adding 1 lane to each side of the highway to account for these barriers. Really no work done to I-35 northbound except adding a lane. Shooting for a 2026 construction start and they say will take 9 months to complete. So it looks like this whole interchange will not change much at all for the next 10 years.

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Shooting for a 2026 construction start and they say will take 9 months to complete. So it looks like this whole interchange will not change much at all for the next 10 years.


seems like it will change a bunch for traffic flow (3 dedicated lanes south bound ) and safety (not allowing Turner traffic to exit on 122nd ) in the next 3-4 years ..

that is a huge deal ..

I'll be interested to see if OTA does anything to that interchange when they widen the Turner & Kilpatrick to 3 lanes in each direction. Right now, the Access Oklahoma website isn't showing anything slated for that interchange.

I do think signage would go a long ways in helping re-route truck traffic from I-44 to Sooner to the truck stops on 122nd though. Seems like that could be a cheap/easy fix for the interim until the project kicks off.

I do think signage would go a long ways in helping re-route truck traffic from I-44 to Sooner to the truck stops on 122nd though. Seems like that could be a cheap/easy fix for the interim until the project kicks off.

this is a great idea and something that should happen asap

I do think signage would go a long ways in helping re-route truck traffic from I-44 to Sooner to the truck stops on 122nd though. Seems like that could be a cheap/easy fix for the interim until the project kicks off.

I don't think this will ever work for many reasons. First of all you have to exit I-35 northbound to access that Sooner Road 180 degree turn around exit, and if you know you need to go south on I-35 instead of north. Well.. Whoops. You are now exiting on Hefner Road. Also the 180 degree Sooner turn around USED TO BE A DIRT ROAD that ODOT eventually paved and made the Sooner exit! It is a joke! I can barely take that small tight turn in an SUV going 20 MPH.

Also, this is not a stop gap for when the next project comes. The consultants last night basically said this IS the proposed 10 year plan for this whole interchange.
Turnpikes are the OTA. I-35 is ODOT. I highly doubt the overpasses connecting the Turner to the Kilpatrick ever get 3 lanes.

It will have to work because it will eventually be the only way trucks on I-44 will be able to access the truck stops on 122nd street. Sooner road will be the new route for I-44 to 122nd street traffic after they add the concrete barrier on I-35 south. How would you end up turning around on Hefner road after taking the I-35 north exit from I-44 by accident? Hefner is south of I-44. I agree, the Sooner Rd exit is in terrible shape. I’m assuming that is why ODOT is proposing making improvements to it as part of this project. It’s clearly shown in the picture you posted above. Unfortunately it will still be a pretty tight curve it looks like.

I’m well aware that turnpikes are OTA and I-35 is ODOT. Hopefully OTA will at least rework the east bound bridge over I-35 as part of the ACCESS projects. As it is now, it chokes down to 1 lane.

The trucks will probably continue on to the new QT a couple miles south rather than meander all that!

Maybe l'm missing something but the only traffic that should be rerouted to Sooner Rd. in order to access the 122nd St. truck stops would be WB l-44 traffic. All the others will be able to access 122nd as normal - or am l wrong?

Maybe l'm missing something but the only traffic that should be rerouted to Sooner Rd. in order to access the 122nd St. truck stops would be WB l-44 traffic. All the others will be able to access 122nd as normal - or am l wrong?

You are correct.

The SH-9 interchange project is scheduled to be let for bid:



· Commissioners will consider awarding an up to $105 million project to realign the I-35 and SH-9W interchange south of Norman creating a Diverging Diamond Interchange.

- https://oklahoma.gov/odot/citizen/newsroom/2023/august-transportation-commission-meeting-scheduled-for-monday--a.html

The SH-9 interchange project is scheduled to be let for bid:



- https://oklahoma.gov/odot/citizen/newsroom/2023/august-transportation-commission-meeting-scheduled-for-monday--a.html

Is this the same design they had planned before that dust up between Watts and Gatz?

The SH-9 interchange project is scheduled to be let for bid:



- https://oklahoma.gov/odot/citizen/newsroom/2023/august-transportation-commission-meeting-scheduled-for-monday--a.html

Isn’t this the site of the most recent Buc-ee’s rumors? Maybe this will spur some action.

Any chance we can get this thread renamed "ODOT" instead of "Odot"? lol

Is this the same design they had planned before that dust up between Watts and Gatz?

nope ..

Same thing with the I-35/Waterloo interchange: pushed back to 2025

Sorry to quote PP from almost a year ago, but this has to do with it:

EDMOND — An Oklahoma County commissioner hopes to put Oak Tree National "in the zone" for future major professional tournaments by improving traffic flows along the Oklahoma-Logan county line.

Myles Davidson, who represents northern Oklahoma County, proposes to work with counterparts in Logan County to spend bout $65 million in federal money to widen and improve Waterloo Road between Interstate 35 and State Highway 74 (Portland Avenue).

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/local/2023/08/09/pga-tour-edmond-oklahoma-county-officials-federal-overhaul/70426349007/

Use the White Oaks Veterinary Clinic and it's tough getting from Oklahoma City to Edmond traveling Broadway to Waterloo.

Any improvements (expanded lanes) to Waterloo traveling east should improve traffic flow--that area is
growing with homes and businesses.

nope ..
Were there renderings in this thread of the original plan? I can’t find them, but there may never have been any.

Sorry to quote PP from almost a year ago, but this has to do with it:

EDMOND — An Oklahoma County commissioner hopes to put Oak Tree National "in the zone" for future major professional tournaments by improving traffic flows along the Oklahoma-Logan county line.

Myles Davidson, who represents northern Oklahoma County, proposes to work with counterparts in Logan County to spend bout $65 million in federal money to widen and improve Waterloo Road between Interstate 35 and State Highway 74 (Portland Avenue).

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/local/2023/08/09/pga-tour-edmond-oklahoma-county-officials-federal-overhaul/70426349007/
A new freeway in this area connecting I 35 to SH 74 would be great.

A new freeway in this area connecting I 35 to SH 74 would be great.

Oh hallelujah that would be fantastic.

A new freeway in this area connecting I 35 to SH 74 would be great.

If it ever happens, probably wouldn’t be free.

Isn’t this the site of the most recent Buc-ee’s rumors? Maybe this will spur some action.

There is no Buc-ee's planned for this area. I really don't know why that rumor keeps going around. The lot everyone keeps glomming onto as the site is owned by the Chickasaws, for goodness sake.

If it ever happens, probably wouldn’t be free.

The story states: Myles Davidson, who represents northern Oklahoma County, proposes to work with counterparts in Logan County to spend about $65 million in federal money to widen and improve Waterloo Road between Interstate 35 and State Highway 74 (Portland Avenue).

The story states: Myles Davidson, who represents northern Oklahoma County, proposes to work with counterparts in Logan County to spend about $65 million in federal money to widen and improve Waterloo Road between Interstate 35 and State Highway 74 (Portland Avenue).

That doesn't mention anything about a freeway like the post I responded to suggested.

There is no Buc-ee's planned for this area. I really don't know why that rumor keeps going around. The lot everyone keeps glomming onto as the site is owned by the Chickasaws, for goodness sake.

Actually there is, but we'll just have to agree to disagree. (very reliable inside resource)

ODOT finally activated the links to the handout and presentation documents from the I-35/122nd St/I-44 meeting last week.

https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/odot/meetings/a2023/230801/Oklahoma%20JP%203377104%20I-35%20JKT%20Public%20Meeting%20Handout.pdf

https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/odot/meetings/a2023/230801/JP%203377104%20I35%20SB%20Public%20Meeting%20Prese ntation.pdf

I went to the ODOT Public meeting last night regarding the overhaul of the I-35 / 122nd Street / Turner / Kilpatrick Turnpike interchange. I did not have high expectations but left even more underwhelmed. They started the meeting off by stating facts about how dangerous this whole interchange has become. Basically, what ODOT proposed is to add concrete barriers to not allow cars & semis to quickly change lanes when merging on. Semis & cars coming off the Turner Turnpike will not be able to get over until well past the 122nd exit. They mentioned trying to route Semis to exit Sooner Road via the I-35 northbound ramp from Turner (zoomed in on the right side of the attached image). They are also adding 1 lane to each side of the highway to account for these barriers. Really no work done to I-35 northbound except adding a lane. Shooting for a 2026 construction start and they say will take 9 months to complete. So it looks like this whole interchange will not change much at all for the next 10 years.

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At the bottom of this page they have a PDF link which shows in detail what the plans are: https://oklahoma.gov/odot/programs-and-projects0/public-meetings-and-hearings0/public-meetings-and-hearings/20230801.html

At the bottom of this page they have a PDF link which shows in detail what the plans are: https://oklahoma.gov/odot/programs-and-projects0/public-meetings-and-hearings0/public-meetings-and-hearings/20230801.html

thanks for finding and posting that

thanks for finding and posting that
It was supposed to be active on August 2nd. I believe they forgot to update it with an active link so I had to call them to get them to do it. I left them a voicemail. Thankfully, they seemed to respond to it.

ODOT finally activated the links to the handout and presentation documents from the I-35/122nd St/I-44 meeting last week.

https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/odot/meetings/a2023/230801/Oklahoma%20JP%203377104%20I-35%20JKT%20Public%20Meeting%20Handout.pdf

https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/odot/meetings/a2023/230801/JP%203377104%20I35%20SB%20Public%20Meeting%20Prese ntation.pdf
Beat me to it lol

The SH-9 interchange project is scheduled to be let for bid:



- https://oklahoma.gov/odot/citizen/newsroom/2023/august-transportation-commission-meeting-scheduled-for-monday--a.html
Approved and it also includes a short widening of I-35 from the Canadian River bridge to the Goldsby interchange:


Approved at the commission meeting was an up to $105 million project to reconstruct the I-35 and SH-9W interchange south of Norman to accommodate heavy traffic in the area. The project will convert the interchange into a Divergent Diamond Interchange configuration, similar to the one now in use in Elk City at I-40 and Main St. The project will also expand I-35 to six lanes from the Canadian River south to the Goldsby interchange. The reconstruction will begin this fall and is expected to complete in summer of 2026.

- https://oklahoma.gov/odot/citizen/newsroom/2023/august-commission-meeting-wrap-up.html

ODOT also updated the new 5 year county bridge and road improvement program for anyone who wants to browse and kill some time:


The commission voted to approve the annual update to the CIRB Plan for Federal Fiscal Years 2024 through 2028. The plan includes $804 million for reconstruction or rehabilitation of 176 county bridges and improvements to nearly 400 miles of county roads during the next five years. The CIRB program uses designated state funding administered by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation combined with federal, local and tribal funds for the highest priority county transportation projects. The plan is updated annually in partnership between county commissioners, their Circuit Engineering Districts and ODOT. To view projects in the CIRB, visit www.odot.org and click CIRB under Projects and Programs.

Full plan here: https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/odot/web-files/24-28%20CIRB%20Plan%20Final%20For%20Commission.pdf

Some major renumbering and new interstate numbers coming to the OKC metro:


On tomorrow's ODOT Commission meeting agenda:

Highway Number Redesignation – Mr. Planteen
Districts IV and VIII – Delaware, Mayes, Rogers, Tulsa, Osage, Pawnee, Payne and Noble Counties

a) Remove SH-152 Designation from I-44 junction west to Kilpatrick Turnpike junction
b) Add I-240 Designation from I-44 junction west to Kilpatrick Turnpike junction
c) Add I-240 Follow Route Designation I-240/I-44 junction north to I-44/SH-152
d) Add I-344 Designation to the entirety of the Kilpatrick Turnpike
e) Add I-335 Designation to Kickapoo Turnpike

Agenda item 131: https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/odot/transportation-commision/agenda/2023/tc_agenda-202309-r.pdf

RT66man from AAROADS I copied your comment because my stupid iPhone would copy the text from the original document.

Map of the proposed new interstate numbers:

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Map of the proposed new interstate numbers:

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Ok, this doesn't make a lot of sense, but it's ODOT, so whatever.

First, this is a loop, and not a spur, an odd first digit is against the rules here. The Kilpatrick should be numbered I-644 or I-844 (I would prefer I-644 for the Creek Turnpike in Tulsa but whatever)

Second, wouldn't it be much simpler and logical to have OK-152 signed as the new I-844 number and end I-844 at I-44. No changes at all to I-240.

^^^ I agree completely about your second paragraph. It’d be nice to think a new major freeway was planned through Mustang along SH-152 eventually connecting north to I-40 in the future signed as I-240 but the ROW clearance would be massive through Mustang. Still I’d support it. The more freeways the better. I don’t know why else they’d end I-240 at the SH-152/Kilpatrick(I-344) interchange though.

Ok, this doesn't make a lot of sense, but it's ODOT, so whatever.

First, this is a loop, and not a spur, an odd first digit is against the rules here. The Kilpatrick should be numbered I-644 or I-844 (I would prefer I-644 for the Creek Turnpike in Tulsa but whatever)

Second, wouldn't it be much simpler and logical to have OK-152 signed as the new I-844 number and end I-844 at I-44. No changes at all to I-240.

I thought the same thing when I looked at the map. The whole "Follow i-240" thing is dumb along with the little I-240 segment W of I-44. Just rename I-644 or I-844 and put a fork in it. While they're at it, why not get even cuter and just rename I-240 to I-140 since it's in essence a spur route anyway.

But like you said, it's ODOT.

I just saw that a special committee of AASHTO has to approve this as well. I suspect they will reject this proposal, give ODOT a copy of their guidelines, and ask them to stop screwing around and finally get this right.

Ok, this doesn't make a lot of sense, but it's ODOT, so whatever.

First, this is a loop, and not a spur, an odd first digit is against the rules here. The Kilpatrick should be numbered I-644 or I-844 (I would prefer I-644 for the Creek Turnpike in Tulsa but whatever)

Second, wouldn't it be much simpler and logical to have OK-152 signed as the new I-844 number and end I-844 at I-44. No changes at all to I-240.

Even changing the entire east/west route from i-40 to i40 seems like it would make more sense than this, since it then has a signed route to bypass downtown. With whatever the new one going north from i-40 around to i-44. Instead of temporarily going both ways, but basically randomly changing in the middle of a segment, potentially worse extending that on the eventual new segment around the airport, which would increase the number of multiple interchanges with the same I-### and city street exit pairings over what this proposal will have.

I just saw that a special committee of AASHTO has to approve this as well. I suspect they will reject this proposal, give ODOT a copy of their guidelines, and ask them to stop screwing around and finally get this right.
They approved the ridiculous I-240 loop proposal.

Its not a loop if you have to make all those road changes....so that's a bit of a stretch. I think calling them separate spurs makes a lot more sense.

I mean with that logic is a "loop"....
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They approved the ridiculous I-240 loop proposal.

The disclaimer in the PDF says this proposal will still need approval from a special committee of AASHTO and the Federal Highway Administration.

This revision will become effective upon approval by the State Transportation Commission, approval
from the AASHTO Special Committee on U.S. Route Numbering, and approval from the Federal
Highway Administration

I travel a lot and have driven in about every major city in the country and cannot recall ever seeing any "Follow" Interstate Route except when there was a Detour or closure. Have any of you?

I am fairly sure the goal here is to have as many different interstate numbering designations within the metro as physically possible.

I just saw that a special committee of AASHTO has to approve this as well. I suspect they will reject this proposal, give ODOT a copy of their guidelines, and ask them to stop screwing around and finally get this right.

Maybe, maybe not. I-235 is a spur and should have an odd first digit, but it doesn't.

I am fairly sure the goal here is to have as many different interstate numbering designations within the metro as physically possible.


Maybe, maybe not. I-235 is a spur and should have an odd first digit, but it doesn't.

I cannot argue with any of these assessments. I have never understood the I-235 designation either and thought it was just an anomaly.

I cannot argue with any of these assessments. I have never understood the I-235 designation either and thought it was just an anomaly.

235 isn't a spur, it's a connector, which can have an odd or even first digit. A spur does not end at another interstate.

If the new signage reduces the confusion of having to follow the signs for I-44 Westbound to go east on I-240, I'm all for it.

235 isn't a spur, it's a connector, which can have an odd or even first digit. A spur does not end at another interstate.

Thanks for the clarification. So if it had been designated an Interstate from I-40 to the Freeway Terminus in South Edmond, that would have then made it a true spur. Much appreciated!

Thanks for the clarification. So if it had been designated an Interstate from I-40 to the Freeway Terminus in South Edmond, that would have then made it a true spur. Much appreciated!

yep 235 ends at 44 ..... 77 (Broadway extension) continues past 44 north to edmond

yep 235 ends at 44 ..... 77 (Broadway extension) continues past 44 north to edmond

My question is why the l-235 designation wasn't extended on up to the Kilpatrick?

My question is why the l-235 designation wasn't extended on up to the Kilpatrick?

the kilpatrick wasn't an interstate ..

i wonder if the above plan passes if that will be revisited at some point .

Typically all it has to have to have the even first number is that it intersects at 2 other interstate highways. For instance, 235 connects to both 44 and 35. It doesn't necessarily mean it has to connect to 35 twice or specifically.

They would almost be better off just giving these state highway numbers and calling it a day. The Creek Turnpike doesn't totally suck as SH-364.

What does that matter? It will be.

Updated plan coming on October 2Nd

The commission will consider approval of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s Eight-Year Construction Work Plan for Federal Fiscal Years 2024-2031. The annually updated plan contains nearly $9 billion in highway improvements statewide for the next eight years. The nearly $500 million Asset Preservation Plan addressing maintenance of existing infrastructure will also be presented.

https://oklahoma.gov/odot/citizen/newsroom/2023/october-transportation-commission-meeting-scheduled-for-monday--.html

8 year plan officially updated new and expedited projects listed.

https://oklahoma.gov/odot/programs-and-projects0/8-year-construction-work-plan.html


FY2024-2027 Asset Preservation Plan
$497 million in total investment
290 total projects
Rehabilitation of 146 highway bridges
More than 1,800 miles of pavement resurfacing
Notable projects added or advanced in the Eight-Year Construction Work Plan include:
In the Oklahoma City metro area, improvements to the I-35/I-240 and I-35/I-44 interchanges as well as resurfacing I-35 between the Oklahoma River and S.E. 89th
In the Tulsa metro area, improvements to the I-44 and US-75 interchange.
In Eastern Oklahoma, resurfacing of US-69 between Checotah and Eufaula in McIntosh County.
In Southeastern Oklahoma, adding shoulders along SH-37 west of Idabel and improvements on US-259 in Hochatown in McCurtain County moved forward to 2024.
In Southeast Central Oklahoma, bridge rehabilitations over I-44 at SH-37 East and S.W. 119th in Cleveland County and at SH-145 over I-35 in Garvin County.
In South Central Oklahoma, planning for improvements along I-35 between Marietta in Love County and Springer in Carter County, as well as an I-35 bridge reconstruction at Thackerville in Love County.
In Western Oklahoma, widening US-270 near SH-58 west of Watonga in Blaine County, and pavement reconstruction on I-40 west of US-281 in Caddo County.
In Northwest Oklahoma, adding shoulders to SH-45 in Alfalfa County and resurfacing part of US-281 in Alva in Woods County.

https://oklahoma.gov/odot/citizen/newsroom/2023/more-than--9-billion-in-improvements-planned-for-oklahoma-highwa.html

8 year plan officially updated new and expedited projects listed.

https://oklahoma.gov/odot/programs-and-projects0/8-year-construction-work-plan.html



https://oklahoma.gov/odot/citizen/newsroom/2023/more-than--9-billion-in-improvements-planned-for-oklahoma-highwa.html

Too bad we can’t take some of this budget surplus the state says they have a move some of these big projects up to the near term rather than the end of the 8 year plan. Lots of big projects on that plan that will be great improvements when complete.