New traffic headaches coming as ODOT announces major interstate bridge repair projects

OKLAHOMA CITY — Drivers along two busy interstates can expect delays ahead of bridge repair projects planned in the Oklahoma City metro area. 

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation Commission approved a $4 million project during its Monday meeting to repair bridges at Interstate 235 over Interstate 40, I-235 over Reno Ave and I-235 over the Union Pacific Railroad.   

Construction will impact both northbound and southbound lanes, ODOT spokesperson Bryce Boyer said in an email. The project has yet to receive a start date, but Transportation Secretary Tim Gatz said it is expected to be completed within 90 days after it begins.

The project is expected to cause significant delays because of the high traffic volume on the roadway, particularly at peak times, Gatz said.

“It’s desperately needed, but it will be disruptive from a traffic standpoint,” he said. “So, we want to make sure that’s firmly on the traveling public’s radar.” 

Gatz also asked drivers to take extra caution in work zones as the state’s number of fatalities in work zones is not improving. 

“The data in Oklahoma shows drivers and passengers are far more likely than workers to lose their lives in crashes inside of work zones,” he said. 

Gatz said Oklahoma ranks 40th in the nation for seat belt use. 

“One of the simplest ways to avoid a fatality is to wear your seatbelt.”