Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Transportation Commission met Monday morning, receiving updates on major highway projects and approving several engineering contracts and bridge improvements across the state.

Oklahoma Transportation Commission members heard from Oklahoma Department of Transportation Executive Director Tim Gatz, who outlined progress on a long planned interchange reconstruction project on Interstate 40 in Clinton.

The project focuses on the Gary Boulevard interchange at mile markers 65 and 65A. Gatz said the work will replace four at risk bridges on I-40 and correct what he described as a confusing half interchange design that has become more problematic as traffic volumes through Clinton have increased.

The project is a partnership between ODOT and the City of Clinton and is intended to rehabilitate and reconstruct the existing interchange while creating better long term growth opportunities for the community. Gatz credited coordination between ODOT staff, the city, and the contractor for developing a phased construction plan that significantly shortens the timeline.

What could have taken nearly four years is now expected to be completed in closer to two years. Gatz said reducing construction time is the most effective way to limit the impact of work zones on motorists and the community.

Initial work will include construction of detours along with temporary widening and overlay of the existing westbound lanes. This will allow head to head traffic while the eastbound lanes are rebuilt. Gatz warned the early phases will be disruptive both on I-40 and within Clinton as construction ramps up.

In other business, the commission approved multiple engineering contracts in District 5.

In Custer County, a project on State Highway 33 will add shoulders to a two lane highway and evaluate and improve skewed intersections. Freese and Nichols Incorporated was selected to provide engineering services at a contract value of $2,078,500. Construction for the project is included in the eight year construction work plan with a scheduled let date in federal fiscal year 2031.

Another District 5 project in Washita County on State Highway 55 will also add shoulders to a two lane highway and reconstruct the roadway to rehabilitate the existing facility. Cowan Group Engineering was selected to provide engineering services at a contract value of $1,216,105. That project is also included in the eight year construction work plan with a planned let date in federal fiscal year 2031.

The commission also approved participation in the Bridge Formula Program city bridge formula initiative, which targets structurally deficient bridges within incorporated city limits. Ten bridges statewide were selected, including one in Elk City.

The program aims to reduce the number of structurally deficient bridges by working directly with cities to prioritize repairs or replacement. The selection process considers factors such as average daily traffic, school bus routes, load postings, the age of the structure, and overall traffic safety.

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