Officials from the City of Midwest City and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 11 to celebrate the opening of the I-40/Douglas Blvd. Interchange, which has been designated as the U.S. Senator James Inhofe Interchange. The event marks the completion of a reconstruction project valued at more than $170 million, including a new interchange and widening six miles of Interstate 40.
The ceremony is significant as it highlights infrastructure improvements in the area and honors the late Senator James Inhofe, who passed away in July 2024. Inhofe was known for his work in infrastructure, national defense, and energy. He and other members of Oklahoma’s congressional delegation supported a $51 million federal INFRA grant awarded in June 2021 that helped fund this project.
The event will take place at 2 p.m. on the S. Douglas Blvd. Bridge over I-40 and will feature remarks from several officials, including Tim Gatz, Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation and ODOT Executive Director; Molly Rapert, daughter of Senator Inhofe; representatives from U.S. Senator James Lankford’s office; State Senator Brenda Stanley; Matt Dukes, Mayor of Midwest City; and Christy Gillenwater, CEO of the Greater Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation operates as a state agency responsible for planning, engineering, and operations within the transportation sector as detailed on its official website. The department maintains and enhances transportation infrastructure across highways, bridges, railways, waterways, and public transit according to its official website. It also promotes economic development through reliable transportation networks while encouraging public involvement in decision-making processes according to its official website.
ODOT extends its services throughout all counties in Oklahoma for transportation planning and maintenance according to its official website, providing resources such as project planning tools for contractors and traffic data management systems according to its official website.
Parking for attendees will be available on southbound S. Douglas Blvd., with staff present to direct guests toward the event location. Organizers note that this outdoor event will proceed rain or shine but may be delayed if lightning is detected.