Chelley Hilmes Chief Financial Officer | Oklahoma Department of Transportation
Chelley Hilmes Chief Financial Officer | Oklahoma Department of Transportation
The City of Claremore, Rogers County, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) have marked the successful completion of a significant infrastructure project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event, held on Friday, April 18, signified the opening of a new SH-20 bridge over SH-66, completing a $64 million realignment and interchange project.
With this development, SH-20 now provides five lanes of travel between US-169 in Owasso and SH-66 in Claremore, adding a new connection to the I-44/Will Rogers Turnpike at Flint Road. The infrastructure upgrade also features a new bridge carrying SH-20 over SH-66 and a BNSF railroad.
“This tremendously collaborative effort between the City of Claremore, Rogers County, the Turnpike Authority and ODOT has led to an improved highway that will be much safer for drivers and easier for the state to maintain,” stated Tim Gatz, executive director of ODOT. He also noted the benefits of the new bridge crossing over the railroad, which promises to be a significant addition for safely crossing tracks within the community.
Featuring Historic Route 66 embellishments, the bridge not only marks an infrastructure enhancement but also pays homage to the storied highway's history. Rogers County District 3 Commissioner Ron Burrows emphasized this aspect: “This new bridge, which uniquely crosses over both US Route 66 highway and the BNSF railway, marks a pivotal enhancement in our infrastructure.”
While the new alignment of SH-20 has opened, further work is anticipated, with drivers reminded to stay alert to workers in the area over the coming weeks. The OTA previously opened the new I-44/Will Rogers Turnpike interchange on Flint Road in March, facilitating better access for residents.
OTA Executive Director Joe Echelle shared, “We’ve seen right at 50,000 cars get on and off the new Flint Road interchange at I-44/Will Rogers Turnpike in the month since it opened. People are saving some time in their daily commute or on their way to church or to get groceries.”
John Feary, Claremore city manager, shared the community's pride in these advancements, noting, “The opening of the Highway 20 realignment and the new I-44/Will Rogers Turnpike interchange marks a major step forward in improving transportation and mobility for Claremore and all of Rogers County.”
The project, which broke ground in March 2023, replaced a two-lane highway with no shoulders, providing a modern five-lane highway that connects with previous realignment efforts in the Keetonville area. This completes a two-decade-long enhancement of the SH-20 corridor between Owasso and Claremore, significantly improving transportation options and safety across Rogers County.
Alerts Sign-up