Sooner State News

The Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting held on April 7 discussed various transportation-related initiatives and updates. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) unveiled their efforts for the upcoming Work Zone Awareness Week, scheduled for April 21-25 as proclaimed by Governor Kevin Stitt. ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz presented two new public service announcements to reinforce work zone safety as part of the broader campaign “Make it Home Safe: Make Oklahoma Safe.”

Since their inception, 73 employees from ODOT and OTA have lost their lives while on duty, underscoring the importance of this safety initiative. "We hope the traveling public will support us not just in April, but all the time," stated Gatz. The campaign's endeavors include a moment of silence, illuminating Oklahoma landmarks in orange, and hosting teenage driver events in various cities.

The meeting also addressed concerns regarding the state's transportation infrastructure in light of a recent National Transportation Safety Board report. Gatz assured the commission that after significant investment post the I-40 Webbers Falls bridge incident in 2002, Oklahoma’s bridges are in sound condition.

Updates were provided on the I-44/US-75 interchange project in Tulsa, known as "Traffic Henge," with work on site having commenced and completion anticipated by 2028. Additional details were shared on the I-40 project at Douglas Blvd. in Midwest City, which is progressing on schedule with expected completion by the end of 2025.

The commission approved contracts worth nearly $23 million for statewide road and bridge improvements. Public access to the list of awarded contracts is available through the ODOT Business Center online.

The next commission meeting is slated for May 5, open to public viewing online. The Oklahoma Transportation Commission comprises nine members appointed to supervise the state’s transportation infrastructure development.