The New I-40 (Construction Updates)

[Pete]

You'd be amazed about how word gets out to skateboarders, BMX bikers, rollerbladers, etc.

When I lived in Malibu, there was a burned down house just above me, and I lived on a private drive on a bluff. The only way you could get to this property was drive a up a private, unmarked road, park where I lived, then climb over the gate and hike up the hill. Once there, you could see the old foundation and the shell of a pool.

One day, I noticed a bunch of kids up on that property and realized they were skateboarders skating in the pool. They started to show up at different times and their numbers quickly grew. Ultimately, the people on the other side must have complained because the cops came and chased them off.

How they got to it or even knew it was there still mystifies me. Just shows how much people will go through to have something like that all to themselves.

[Larry OKC]

It was my understanding that the "new" I-40 would not have the billboard clutter that was present on the old route. Too my dismay while driving East a few days ago on the North side there was another unsightly billboard going up. Again I thought the city council banned these from being erected. If someone is up to date on this issue I would like it explained.

There was a grandfather clause so maybe if they had a billboard/pole already in place of some sort, they may have gotten around the ban??? I agree with Pete, contact the City/your Council person and ask as it may be a violation.

[Larry OKC]

Thanks...dang that was quick...hopefully I will be able to upgrade to Platinum (but honestly it doesnt jump off the page at me as much as the gold)...LOL

back to your regularly scheduled topic...

[jn1780]

I'm pretty sure a loitering skateboarder could squeeze through or hop over those barriers...which is what he was getting at.

Of course they can. But the concrete barriers and signs removes the liability. If a dumb kid kills him/herself, too bad.

[JerseyOkie]

FYI Folks

Media Advisory
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Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Media & Public Relations Division
200 N.E. 21st Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Phone: 405-521-6000, Fax: 405-521-2524
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PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL
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Media Advisory
Feb. 23, 2012

Public's last opportunity on old I-40 Crosstown interstate
Now that westbound I-40 Crosstown traffic has been switched and all traffic has been taken off the old Crosstown, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation wants to make available a last opportunity for the public to visit the old bridge before it is taken down and fully deconstructed.

This is a unique opportunity for young and old - whether your interest is taking a walk, capturing a picture or two or driving the old interstate bridge -join us on the old Crosstown for a historic moment. There will also be small mementos of old Crosstown pavement available as a keepsake, while they last.

Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012
10am - 2pm (come & go)
On the old westbound I-40 Crosstown, between Robinson Ave. & Classen Blvd.
Directions & Parking: The Robinson Ave. on-ramp will be the only method of getting onto the old westbound I-40 lanes. Parking for those wanting to walk the highway will be available in the center lanes. Those driving will continue at low speeds on the outside lane to Classen Blvd.

[gurantula35]

Could someone outline what all is left to be done with the new i-40 and the estimated time of completion?

[OKCisOK4me]

Of course they can. But the concrete barriers and signs removes the liability. If a dumb kid kills him/herself, too bad.

Very true. But how many kids do we know that don't trespass, especially if they're a skateboarder? Some parent will try to sue someone... It doesn't matter that we know better. They just need to sever the ramps and ends of the thing to keep people off of it.

[OKCisOK4me]

Could someone outline what all is left to be done with the new i-40 and the estimated time of completion?

East side: actual ramps from north and south traffic on I-235 & Boulevard Interchange.

West side: westbound over Agnew, entrances, exits, access roads on westbound lanes & Boulevard Interchange.

ODOT is apparently in charge of the Boulevard and they do have to destroy the old Crosstown so other than affecting city streets, that won't affect the new alignment.

[metro]

The OLD I-40 will be open to the public next Wednesday from 10am-2pm to walk on and take pictures. Just saw story on KOCO.

[Watson410]

The OLD I-40 will be open to the public next Wednesday from 10am-2pm to walk on and take pictures. Just saw story on KOCO.

Post #1261

[Snowman]

Could someone outline what all is left to be done with the new i-40 and the estimated time of completion?

They originally were saying about six months after the traffic was moved the new i40 mainline and interchanges would be complete and two years before the boulevard would be open, but some recent statements are implying it will at least be early 2013 before all the ramps are open.

[Larry OKC]

Duplicate info already posted...sorry

[SoonerBoy18]

Yesterday was my first time driving on the i-40 it was very amazing :-)

[Pete]

This photo is from Metro and shows the Robinson section just as you exit from Westbound I-40.

Wow, is this Core to Shore area an eyesore! And of course, Robinson just dead ends before the old crosstown for now.

[SoonerBoy18]

Does anybody know when they are going to start with Core to Shore or have they started already? Also when do they start contstructing the Boulevard?, what will it look like?

[metro]

Robinson is all the way through now, one lane.

[Snowman]

Does anybody know when they are going to start with Core to Shore or have they started already? Also when do they start contstructing the Boulevard?, what will it look like?

Some elements of core to shore are happening with MAPS3 and the Skydance bridge, however at least one or two of the city staff have been calling it a 30 - 50 year plan, so it will take time. A couple elements have already changed on how it will look since the material has come out and a lot is what they would like to develop there by private investment.

[Pete]

According to a recently updated timeline for MAPS3, Phase I of Central Park (everything to the left of Robinson in that photo above) will complete by the end of 2013.

[ctchandler]

Today for me and I agree.
C. T.

Yesterday was my first time driving on the i-40 it was very amazing :-)

[SoonerBoy18]

How long will it take to deconstruct the old i-40 and when does the construction of the boulevard begin?

[Larry OKC]

SoonerBoy18: roughly 2 years from now...about 9 months to dismantle the old crosstown and the balance to build the Boulevard...however, they are still designing the Boulevard...determining number of lanes...Convention Center committee trying to get the path altered as much as they can to give the C.C. more room (taking away from the MAPS 3 Park in the process...probably not a major shift but who knows at this point.

[ChargerAg]

Drove 40 today and was not impressed with the skycatcher on the bridge. If I hadn't of read about it here i would have assumed it was something for electric lines.

[OKCisOK4me]

Oh well...^^

[mcca7596]

Drove 40 today and was not impressed with the skycatcher on the bridge. If I hadn't of read about it here i would have assumed it was something for electric lines.

I hope the possibility exists of your mind being changed once the bridge is consistently lit up at night, and it connects two parks.

[Larry OKC]

^^^
Will that be obvious from the road that it is connecting the parks?