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Plutonic Panda 01-29-2016, 03:21 PM Here is the information packet, too. It appears they are leaning towards the Diverging Diamond which is good to see.
http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/meetings/a2016/160128/presentation.pdf
Plutonic Panda 01-29-2016, 03:23 PM Here is a good video showing what it is like to drive through a ddi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS-r3SwktGs
d-usa 01-29-2016, 05:42 PM I drove through one of those in Missouri a couple years back. I remember driving up to it thinking "what the hell, this doesn't make any sense, what is happening" and I wasn't even halfway through when I switched to "this makes total sense and works great".
Plutonic Panda 01-30-2016, 12:35 AM Oklahoma road officials consider diverging diamond interchange at Interstate 35, Waterloo Road | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-road-officials-consider-diverging-diamond-interchange-at-interstate-35-waterloo-road/article/5475667)
rte66man 01-31-2016, 04:07 PM 'build anything else' means no new capacity. Fix current capacity first. That means no new downtown boulevard and no widening projects. If a bridge needs to be replaced, replace it with a bridge designed for the same capacity.
If your roof is falling in you don't say we might as well add a game room while we are at it - lest we have to build a roof extension later, when your bathroom is still flooding the basement.
Comparing a road to a house is silly (unless your family will double in size in the next 5 years). It is ridiculous to tell ODOT to rebuild a bridge to the same capacity IF added capacity can be added at minimal incremental cost. For example, if the Amarillo junction bridges on I40 were to be rebuilt, I would hope ODOT had the sense to expand the bridges to carry a minimum of 3 lanes in each direction. Zero right of way cost so the added capacity is incrementally slight. Same went for the I40 rebuild in Yukon. That pavement has to be replaced all the way down to the ground. It would have been extremely short sighted not to increase capacity as the substandard bridges (Mustang Rd and Garth Brooks Blvd) had to be replaced.
You've already lost the boulevard battle since over 50% is already completed. What widening projects should be deleted? Where would you spend the money saved?
Plutonic Panda 02-07-2016, 01:44 AM Here are a couple news pieces from The Sun:
I-35, Waterloo Road dangerous intersection - The Edmond Sun: Local News (http://www.edmondsun.com/news/local_news/i--waterloo-road-dangerous-intersection/article_76804c56-ca05-11e5-bdc6-43672b99cb1f.html)
This one explains the possibility that this might get moved up which I was hopeful for until I heard the state might divert resources away from ODOT. :/
Big crowd attends Waterloo town hall - The Edmond Sun: Lifestyles (http://www.edmondsun.com/news/lifestyles/big-crowd-attends-waterloo-town-hall/article_b77ef93a-c917-11e5-8c5c-d78cba01340f.html)
Bunty 02-07-2016, 02:11 AM I guess the I-35/Waterloo Rd. intersection needs the same added lane treatment that the I-35/51 intersection got several years ago.
Snowman 02-07-2016, 02:19 AM Here are a couple news pieces from The Sun:
I-35, Waterloo Road dangerous intersection - The Edmond Sun: Local News (http://www.edmondsun.com/news/local_news/i--waterloo-road-dangerous-intersection/article_76804c56-ca05-11e5-bdc6-43672b99cb1f.html)
This one explains the possibility that this might get moved up which I was hopeful for until I heard the state might divert resources away from ODOT. :/
Big crowd attends Waterloo town hall - The Edmond Sun: Lifestyles (http://www.edmondsun.com/news/lifestyles/big-crowd-attends-waterloo-town-hall/article_b77ef93a-c917-11e5-8c5c-d78cba01340f.html)
Still this is a bit of overkill, going from a two lane road with stop signs to a style for higher than average throughput, skipping multiple other options between.
MagzOK 02-07-2016, 07:26 AM Still this is a bit of overkill, going from a two lane road with stop signs to a style for higher than average throughput, skipping multiple other options between.
I don't think it's overkill, rather actually good planning to handle traffic now and for some years on into the future -- the lack of future planning being something that is a common complaint about ODOT from members here. ODOT seems to be damned if they do and damned if they don't.
Scott5114 02-07-2016, 11:04 AM According to the article, one of the options being discussed is a diverging diamond interchange, which is still fairly new to the US and would be the first one in Oklahoma.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/Diverging_diamond_redone.svg/640px-Diverging_diamond_redone.svg.png
The way that a DDI works is that there is one traffic signal at each end of the interchange. At this signal the lanes switch places; that is, between the signals, the cars drive on the left. This allows them to make left turns to and from the interchange without crossing oncoming traffic. At the same time, slip ramps allow right-turning traffic to bypass the lights entirely.
The nice thing about the DDI concept is that it allows for greater throughput at a cheaper cost, since it can fit under the existing bridge. Of course, the main disadvantage is driver unfamiliarity and possible confusion at having to drive on the left. If signed and marked properly the risk of accidents can be minimized, but I'm sure we're all aware that providing proper signage and markings is a challenge for ODOT.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/44/Interstate_44_and_Route_13_diverging_diamond_inter change.png
MoDOT has had great success with their DDI in Springfield, MO, the first in the US, and have rolled the interchange design out to Joplin and Kansas City, and KDOT has experimented with the design as well. It's a good thing to see ODOT considering more modern interchange designs, in my opinion. It seemed like interchange design in Oklahoma was running a great deal behind the rest of the field for a while, so it's good that we're slowly starting to catch up.
Plutonic Panda 02-07-2016, 01:36 PM ^^^ Yes, that is what they are likely going to go with.
Plutonic Panda 04-06-2016, 02:40 PM Transportation organization says Oklahoma roads cost drivers | The Journal Record (http://journalrecord.com/2016/04/06/transportation-organization-says-oklahoma-roads-cost-drivers-general-news/)
Plutonic Panda 05-15-2016, 11:44 PM Interesting read. Seems to me like a bunch of criticism with nothing else added. No plans or solutions just a bunch of bitching though this guy does bring up several valid points.
http://www.edmondsun.com/news/lewis-moore-streamline-transportation-funding/article_96791510-1983-11e6-a14a-5354c2255a79.html
MagzOK 05-16-2016, 10:44 AM It's a good article, and it's very true. ODOT has been preaching this motor use tax issue for years. The problem started years and years ago when roads were built and paved and all the motor-use taxes were just piling up so to speak. Legislators saw this big cash cow and slowly started to syphon the money away for different uses. Well that was all fine and dandy back then, but now we're at a point where we need the funds back to reinvest in the infrastructure. But at this point how do you take the allocations away from where they've been put -- like education for instance. It's like the federal government and Social Security. For years and years the coffers of Social Security grew exponentially larger and the government saw that cash cow and started taking from the pot and replacing it with IOUs. Now that we're at the point of insolvency because the money is running out, how do you get the money reappropriated without hurting others or making others mad? It's a sucky deal.
Plutonic Panda 05-19-2016, 05:30 PM They are adding signals to Waterloo Rd/I-35 and have chosen the diverging diamond interchange for the selected interchange although it won't start construction until 2021 which is laughable.
Signals to alleviate traffic woes until construction at I-35 and Waterloo Rd.
Red, yellow and green are about to become the three favorite colors of those who regularly travel Waterloo Rd. to access I-35.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation plans to install temporary traffic signals on Waterloo Rd. at the I-35 interchange just north of Edmond. This safety measure is expected to improve traffic flow at the I-35 interchange, easing the long lines and delay that exists today during rush hour. The traffic signals will become permanent in 2021 when reconstruction begins, bringing a new type of interchange design to Oklahoma.
The two temporary traffic signals have been added to the interchange design contract with Garver Engineering and installation is scheduled for this winter. The department will pay an estimated $250,000 in state funding for these interim improvements, which will remain in place until the completion of the interchange construction project, which is scheduled to begin in 2021. These improvements were made possible due to the partnership with Oklahoma and Logan counties, which have committed to share in the maintenance costs for the signal lights.
“Residents’ concerns were heard loud and clear during our January public meeting. Through the support of area county commissioners, traffic woes can be addressed much sooner,” said Division 4 Engineer Brian Taylor. “The department believes these temporary measures will bring much-needed relief and added safety to users of this interchange.”
The interim project design also calls for extending the right turn lane from eastbound Waterloo Rd. to southbound I-35 and adding new pavement striping on the southbound I-35 on-ramp from Waterloo Rd. to help move traffic faster.
This area continues to see tremendous business and residential growth. The 2014 average traffic count shows 11,500 vehicles traversing this section of Waterloo Rd. daily, but by 2040 traffic is estimated to triple to more than 33,000 vehicles a day.
- http://ok.gov/triton/modules/newsroom/newsroom_article.php?id=277&article_id=21759
Plutonic Panda 05-19-2016, 05:35 PM Also, I came across this article and it said they are going to consider taking out bonds for transportation projects, am I reading that right? So this will allow ODOT to take out loans to fund projects faster?
A budget for the upcoming fiscal year hinges on numerous revenue-raising bills being considered in both chambers. Among the ideas for helping close a $1.3 billion hole in next year's budget are a $1.50-per-pack tax on cigarettes, a broadening of the sales tax, eliminating tax subsidies and the sale of bonds to fund transportation projects.
http://www.koco.com/news/Oklahoma-Senate-leader-says-weekend-session-possible/39610758
baralheia 05-20-2016, 12:26 PM Holy hell yes please! Having projects fully funded up front is all well and good, and sound fiscal policy, but ODOT needs to have the option to issue bonds to get major infrastructure projects done much more quickly than they would otherwise. With limits, of course. :)
MagzOK 05-25-2016, 10:26 AM Holy hell yes please! Having projects fully funded up front is all well and good, and sound fiscal policy, but ODOT needs to have the option to issue bonds to get major infrastructure projects done much more quickly than they would otherwise. With limits, of course. :)
Back in the early 2000s ODOT attempted to go the bond route but ended up being rejected. They were called GARVEE Bonds. Legislators even took ODOT to court over the use of the bonds. I thought ODOT won, however I'm not sure why they were never issued.
rte66man 05-25-2016, 11:40 PM Back in the early 2000s ODOT attempted to go the bond route but ended up being rejected. They were called GARVEE Bonds. Legislators even took ODOT to court over the use of the bonds. I thought ODOT won, however I'm not sure why they were never issued.
GARVEE bonds were issued up to the maximum allowed. Yes, ODOT was taken to court, and yes ODOT won. The OK Constitution clearly states the State cannot go into debt, but the court decided this wasn't debt.
MagzOK 05-26-2016, 10:48 AM GARVEE bonds were issued up to the maximum allowed. Yes, ODOT was taken to court, and yes ODOT won. The OK Constitution clearly states the State cannot go into debt, but the court decided this wasn't debt.
Cool. I couldn't recall what, if anything, had ever happened with that. All I remembered was it was a heated subject at the capitol.
Plutonic Panda 05-26-2016, 10:06 PM This is pretty cool
Press Releases
Thursday, May 26, 2016
ODOT sweetens Monarch Highway with new garden
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is inviting Monarch butterflies and other pollinators to join travelers at the Oklahoma City Welcome Center to stretch their wings, grab a cup of nectar and check out the new garden on their way up the newly established national Monarch Highway.
The department planted the pollinator garden and updated its mowing practices in anticipation of the memorandum of agreement that was signed in partnership with six other states. This collaboration with the Federal Highway Administration and the Missouri, Texas, Iowa, Kansas and Minnesota DOTs designates Interstate 35 as the Monarch Highway.
“We are excited to be a part of this important effort to preserve habitats for pollinators that are vital to our food sources,” Brad Mirth, ODOT state maintenance engineer, said. “Our goal is to protect more of their natural habitat by allowing milkweed and native flowers to grow in the right-of-way where possible and use the garden as an educational tool to help the public recognize and protect this important vegetation.”
Beginning this spring ODOT will refrain from mowing the highway rights-of-way statewide, except where necessary, until July when the flowers will be primed for seed dispersal. The department will still mow in urban areas and safety zones, which includes medians and rights-of-way up to 30 feet from the pavement’s edge. In addition to protecting milkweed and wildflowers that butterflies need, the department expects this to be a cost saving practice.
The garden, a registered Monarch Waystation, is a 20 foot by 40 foot plot containing five types of milkweed, Black-eyed Susans, purple coneflower and other types of wildflowers as well as native grasses little bluestem and switchgrass. Visitors can view the garden at the Oklahoma City Welcome Center on I-35 and 122nd St. in Oklahoma City.
Monarch butterflies born in late summer or early fall migrate south to winter in Mexico. In the spring, the butterflies return to the southern U.S. and lay eggs. Successive generations of Monarchs continue moving north, which takes them along the I-35 corridor and finally into Canada. These Monarchs begin the cycle over again by completing a 2,000-mile trek back to Mexico.
- https://www.ok.gov/triton/modules/newsroom/newsroom_article.php?id=277&article_id=22039
Plutonic Panda 05-29-2016, 05:33 AM Lots of new interactive maps: http://okdot.maps.arcgis.com/home/
Plutonic Panda 06-02-2016, 12:13 AM I-40/I-40B interchange has some pretty cool proposals including a modern interchange round-a-bout, ddi, and a rotary oval interchange. All of which would currently be new to ODOT until the first DDI in the state is constructed at I-35 and Waterloo. I'm excited ODOT is getting more progressive on road interchanges. Now let's see them start putting HOV and 4+ stacks in OKC.
https://www.ok.gov/odot/Programs_and_Projects/Public_Meetings_and_Hearings/20160524.html
I personally like the modern round-a-bout option.
OkiePoke 06-02-2016, 08:57 AM I-40/I-40B interchange has some pretty cool proposals including a modern interchange round-a-bout, ddi, and a rotary oval interchange. All of which would currently be new to ODOT until the first DDI in the state is constructed at I-35 and Waterloo. I'm excited ODOT is getting more progressive on road interchanges. Now let's see them start putting HOV and 4+ stacks in OKC.
https://www.ok.gov/odot/Programs_and_Projects/Public_Meetings_and_Hearings/20160524.html
I personally like the modern round-a-bout option.
That oval design looks very interesting.
Plutonic Panda 06-03-2016, 04:13 AM http://journalrecord.com/2016/06/02/looking-down-the-road-contract-ould-allow-study-of-rebuilding-belle-isle-bridge-capitol/
From what I have heard, they will either build a bridge significantly lower than the current one or go below grade in some areas. Will be interesting to see the plans for the creek if they do go below grade.
David 06-03-2016, 08:46 AM I understand the reasoning, but my goodness would that construction be a pain, I drive over that bridge twice a day.
HangryHippo 06-03-2016, 09:19 AM It would be nice if there were some way to realign that whole mess...
Plutonic Panda 06-03-2016, 10:59 AM I understand the reasoning, but my goodness would that construction be a pain, I drive over that bridge twice a day.
Yeah, I am guessing would they have to close it entirely for awhile?
warreng88 06-03-2016, 11:00 AM http://journalrecord.com/2016/06/02/looking-down-the-road-contract-ould-allow-study-of-rebuilding-belle-isle-bridge-capitol/
From what I have heard, they will either build a bridge significantly lower than the current one or go below grade in some areas. Will be interesting to see the plans for the creek if they do go below grade.
Looking down the road: Contract would allow study of removing Belle Isle bridge
By: Dale Denwalt The Journal Record June 2, 2016
OKLAHOMA CITY – State transportation officials will vote Monday on an engineering contract to study the removal of the Belle Isle bridge.
MacArthur Associated Consultants is being considered for a $1.9 million preliminary engineering design contract that would examine the structure and also plan for reconstruction of part of Interstate 44.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has recently finished rehabilitation work on the bridge, and more work is scheduled to begin this summer, ODOT spokeswoman Mills Gotcher said.
In April 2015, the bridge was narrowed to two lanes while workers rehabilitated the piers, some of which had disintegrating rebar and concrete.
The Belle Isle section of the highway sits over a large commercial development and intersects with major city roads like Classen Boulevard and Pennsylvania Avenue. The bridge also connects to the southeastern terminus of the Northwest Expressway.
The engineers will evaluate how the bridge could be lowered and otherwise improved.
“We’ll look at everything from the height, to how far we want to reconstruct it to its impact at different intersections,” Gotcher said. “There are a lot of interesting intersections along that area, so we’ll have to examine all of those.”
There will also be an environmental study ordered because of a former water park in the area.
When the engineering work is complete, the Belle Isle project will go on the department’s eight-year plan, a long-term list of projects.
“We just have to get this out of the way and put it in the rotation,” Gotcher said. “We’re looking kind of far out there.”
MagzOK 06-03-2016, 11:09 AM Maybe tunnel it through the area leaving the surface streets with their intersections. Perhaps making the I44 stretch there a main street with exit ramps coming from below up to there for Northwest Expressway, etc.
Patrick 06-03-2016, 11:21 AM The whole reason the Belle Isle Bridge was built to begin with was because of the Belle Isle Lake below it. Since that is no longer there, I question the need for the bridges.
OkiePoke 06-03-2016, 11:29 AM I believe that is what they build at I-35 & Main in Norman.
MagzOK 06-03-2016, 11:44 AM The whole reason the Belle Isle Bridge was built to begin with was because of the Belle Isle Lake below it. Since that is no longer there, I question the need for the bridges.
That's my thought as well. The issue now is the right of way issues. You have businesses like those restaurants and that tall bank building and the Belle Isle street there in front of Walmart and that shopping center that would be too close to the highway if not on the highway if it were put back at ground level.
Plutonic Panda 06-03-2016, 04:07 PM Alt. 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZHizthcCRQ&feature=youtu.be
This is the alternative chosen for the I-44/I-35 interchange. They went with alt. 2 which is good, imo.
no1cub17 06-03-2016, 05:40 PM That's my thought as well. The issue now is the right of way issues. You have businesses like those restaurants and that tall bank building and the Belle Isle street there in front of Walmart and that shopping center that would be too close to the highway if not on the highway if it were put back at ground level.
So let's not rebuild a highway. Let's divvy up the traffic that currently uses that stretch of I-44 and disperse it among the city streets. That still leaves plenty of freeway lanes for all of you that need to drive everywhere. Would save so much money that way!
Plutonic Panda 06-04-2016, 10:09 PM The other good thing too is they are rebuilding the I-44/I-35 interchange which will allow them to ultimately expand the highway east to the new turnpike once it's built.
Hopefully we will see them convert 39th Expressway into a fully controlled access freeway within the next 10 years.
Here is an article from News 9 about the Belle Isle bridge portion: http://www.news9.com/story/32141820/odot-explores-options-for-removing-belle-isle-bridge
I am excited to see the alternatives!
Plutonic Panda 06-05-2016, 06:59 PM http://newsok.com/interstate-work-around-oklahoma-city-could-frazzle-motorists-for-months/article/5502245
jn1780 06-06-2016, 11:18 AM That's my thought as well. The issue now is the right of way issues. You have businesses like those restaurants and that tall bank building and the Belle Isle street there in front of Walmart and that shopping center that would be too close to the highway if not on the highway if it were put back at ground level.
That's not really an issue. There is a lot more clearance than you think between the actual bridge and those buildings. The two bridges are actually separated by a good amount also so that's another area they can free up some space.
The biggest issue is the complicated interchange that would be needed at northwest expressway. That road coming from the Belle Isle shopping center would have to be moved. Its in an awkward spot right now.
DowntownMan 06-06-2016, 12:30 PM That's not really an issue. There is a lot more clearance than you think between the actual bridge and those buildings. The two bridges are actually separated by a good amount also so that's another area they can free up some space.
The biggest issue is the complicated interchange that would be needed at northwest expressway. That road coming from the Belle Isle shopping center would have to be moved. Its in an awkward spot right now.
I bet we end up with it rebuilt similar to how it currently is set up. Looking at the existing bridges it looks like they could handle two lanes in each direction on a single bridge during construction with no shoulder. They could put all traffic on one bridge while the other is rebuilt and then switch to new bridge when second is rebuilt. I'd think this would be the cheapest way to avoid reconstructing interchanges. Just my thoughts.
Plutonic Panda 06-06-2016, 03:32 PM Hopefully they make it 8 lanes instead of six to plan ahead for this one so they don't have to mess with it for the majority of its lifespan.
Snowman 06-07-2016, 12:02 AM http://journalrecord.com/2016/06/02/looking-down-the-road-contract-ould-allow-study-of-rebuilding-belle-isle-bridge-capitol/
From what I have heard, they will either build a bridge significantly lower than the current one or go below grade in some areas. Will be interesting to see the plans for the creek if they do go below grade.
Study it after completely refurbishing most if not every pier and deck work at the joints, can we try not putting the cart before the horse. Granted I think it was done as emergency measure when they found problems in one or more of the piers but that likely only means we paid more to kick the can down the road on this.
If they rebuild it it makes no sense for it to be one bridge again, in the long run it would be cheaper to build up a dirt berm like they have on either side and only have bridges at the major roads and river it crosses and place the road surface on that.
Plutonic Panda 06-07-2016, 01:09 AM Study it after completely refurbishing most if not every pier and deck work at the joints, can we try not putting the cart before the horse. Granted I think it was done as emergency measure when they found problems in one or more of the piers but that likely only means we paid more to kick the can down the road on this.
If they rebuild it it makes no sense for it to be one bridge again, in the long run it would be cheaper to build up a dirt berm like they have on either side and only have bridges at the major roads and river it crosses and place the road surface on that.
Dirt berm's take up a lot of ROW, no? That could work. It'd certainly help for ice storms. They are mentioning several new grade sections so it certainly seems like they are trying to avoid bridges as much as possible. ODOT always seems to do that anyways, vs. Texas seems to love build bridges. I love bridges personally, but I think an at or below grade would be best here.
Snowman 06-07-2016, 02:07 AM Dirt berm's take up a lot of ROW, no? That could work. It'd certainly help for ice storms. They are mentioning several new grade sections so it certainly seems like they are trying to avoid bridges as much as possible. ODOT always seems to do that anyways, vs. Texas seems to love build bridges. I love bridges personally, but I think an at or below grade would be best here.
I have doubts about at grade or below grade; below grade under a river, then either side of the bridge is already pretty high and there is not much reason to mess with the city streets height either. They have tones of ROW to start from with like forty feet on either side, plus if they move the lanes to the center and the exits to the right hand lanes.
Plutonic Panda 06-07-2016, 05:00 AM Those are all good points. It will be very interesting to see this study. I am guessing it will take over a year? I had read somewhere ODOT will put this on its 8 plan so I assume it will either be the 2024 or possibly even 2025 plan. Thinking maybe a decade before its completely rebuilt?
loveOKC 06-14-2016, 01:58 PM Would have been nice if OKC had made the finalist list.
https://www.transportation.gov/smartcity
Plutonic Panda 08-01-2016, 03:58 PM https://www.ok.gov/triton/modules/newsroom/newsroom_article.php?id=277&article_id=23939
OKCisOK4me 08-01-2016, 04:06 PM So it says SH66 Trail... Do you think that pertains to a one segment of the system that is suppose to go all the way around the lake or is this strictly just a sidewalk that will be extended beyond OCS along the south curb of Route 66? Cause, ya know, they have that biking/hiking trail behind the fence line.
Plutonic Panda 08-03-2016, 12:50 PM Looks like ODOT is looking at ways to get better revenue. I hope something changes for the better and perhaps them even being able to take out bonds for road and highway projects.
http://www.news9.com/story/32599155/oklahoma-transportation-officials-review-new-funding-options
OKCisOK4me 08-19-2016, 04:39 AM Anyone know what's fixing to take place on Airport Road (152)?
rte66man 08-19-2016, 08:52 PM Anyone know what's fixing to take place on Airport Road (152)?
Too early for the Kilpatrick extension?
Plutonic Panda 08-19-2016, 09:13 PM Too early for the Kilpatrick extension?
Could possibly be. They are already working on I-44 widening the lanes and reconstructing it as well as the Muskogee Turnpike. I believe the Turner Turnpike is about to begin by the end of the year.
emtefury 08-19-2016, 09:44 PM Anyone know what's fixing to take place on Airport Road (152)?
My guess is work on the bridge. There are signs on the road say bridge height 14 feet 6 inches when the sign on the bridge say 16 feet 2 inches. Also there orange cones the run along the road near the bridge.
jn1780 08-20-2016, 08:25 AM They have been painting a lot of bridges along I-44 lately.
gman11695 08-20-2016, 04:46 PM Two questions: would it ever be likely that one day, specifically once the Highway 9, I-35 project is complete, we could see signs for "No Trucks Left Lane" kind of deal from say from the Highway 9 West exit by Riverwind to near downtown? I know this is done in a lot of portions of 35 in central Texas, and would it help alleviate some congestion with semi drivers in the left lane? Or perhaps it's not an overwhelmingly huge issue at this time.
This also brings me to another question: Could there ever be an "Express" lane on 35 from Norman to downtown? Or maybe even an HOV lane?? I realize with an express lane, all of 35 would probably have to be expanded to eight lanes so that the very inner lanes could be used as express lanes. But would this help with rush hour by getting those commuters a straight shot instead of having to deal with the merging on and off of other exit ramps?
_Cramer_ 08-23-2016, 10:17 AM Two questions: would it ever be likely that one day, specifically once the Highway 9, I-35 project is complete, we could see signs for "No Trucks Left Lane" kind of deal from say from the Highway 9 West exit by Riverwind to near downtown? I know this is done in a lot of portions of 35 in central Texas, and would it help alleviate some congestion with semi drivers in the left lane? Or perhaps it's not an overwhelmingly huge issue at this time.
This also brings me to another question: Could there ever be an "Express" lane on 35 from Norman to downtown? Or maybe even an HOV lane?? I realize with an express lane, all of 35 would probably have to be expanded to eight lanes so that the very inner lanes could be used as express lanes. But would this help with rush hour by getting those commuters a straight shot instead of having to deal with the merging on and off of other exit ramps?
I would rather have a commuter rail into downtown before we add HOV/Express Lane personally.
HangryHippo 08-23-2016, 10:33 AM I would rather have a commuter rail into downtown before we add HOV/Express Lane personally.
This.
gman11695 08-23-2016, 10:35 AM Hey I was just thinking out loud :/
rte66man 08-25-2016, 05:39 AM Dirt berm's take up a lot of ROW, no? That could work. It'd certainly help for ice storms. ODOT always seems to do that anyways, vs. Texas seems to love build bridges.
See your own statement. A 5 level here would be a NIGHTMARE in the winter
Plutonic Panda 08-25-2016, 08:58 PM See your own statement. A 5 level here would be a NIGHTMARE in the winter
It works in Denver and in Dallas.
riflesforwatie 08-26-2016, 09:24 AM It works in Denver and in Dallas.
Different weather challenges. Ice storms are essentially unheard of in Denver (<1 freezing rain day per year on average). While ice storms do occur in Dallas, they are only about 2/3rds as likely there as they are in central Oklahoma.
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