The Oklahoma Transportation Commission approved more than $175 million in contracts for transportation improvements across the state during its meeting on April 6. The commission also announced the launch of a work zone awareness campaign to promote safety during the busy construction season.
The work zone initiative, led by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, is part of National Work Zone Awareness Week. It aims to remind drivers to reduce distractions and buckle up when traveling through highway construction areas. ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz read a proclamation from Governor Kevin Stitt declaring April 20-24 as “Oklahoma Work Zone Awareness Week” and introduced a new public service announcement on social media.
Gatz said, “The emphasis I would put on everything is: Give us some room as we try to improve the transportation system that we’re responsible for. Slow down and observe the posted speed limit when you’re traveling through work zones. Put down those distractions and pay attention to what’s in front of you.” He added, “If we can increase our seat belt usage in the state of Oklahoma, I assure you we will lower our severe injury and fatality crash rates, so buckle up.”
Among major projects approved was a $408 million contract with Zachry Construction and Traylor Bros., Inc. for replacing the US-70 Roosevelt Bridge over Lake Texoma, with construction expected to start later this summer and finish by fall 2029. Gatz said, “This is absolutely an enormous investment for the Department of Transportation, but it is a generational investment in Oklahoma’s future… This is a step down that path.” Other approvals included widening five miles of I-40 between Kickapoo Turnpike and McCloud at $73 million; resurfacing nine miles of I-35 through Norman at nearly $6 million; and three bridge rehabilitation contracts totaling $13 million along US-64/US-412 near Tulsa.
According to its official website, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation promotes economic development through reliable transportation networks while encouraging public involvement in decisions about infrastructure projects. The agency maintains highways, bridges, railways, waterways, and public transit systems across all counties in Oklahoma as part of its statewide planning efforts.
ODOT also provides project planning services as well as resources for contractors and tools for traffic data management. As outlined on its website, ODOT operates as a state agency handling planning, engineering tasks, operations management within the transportation sector.
The next meeting of the commission will be held May 4 at 11 a.m., with live streaming available online.
