Contracts were awarded for projects in Bryan, Cherokee, Creek, Dewey, Garfield, Garvin, Haskell, Jackson, Johnston, Kay, Lincoln, Love, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Stephens, Texas, Tillman, Tulsa and Wagoner counties.
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission's Aug. 1 meeting include award of nearly $22 million in federal funding for local transportation alternatives projects and emergency declarations for repair of damage to an I-35 bridge in Murray County and a railroad bridge in Kay County. Commissioners also awarded contracts for major Oklahoma Department of Transportation projects on SH 51 in Tulsa County, U.S. 75A in Okmulgee County, several traffic signals in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City metro areas, the Duncan Bypass in Stephens County and SH 99 in Johnston County.
The commission approved nearly $22 million in federal funding to be matched with local funding for 45 projects to improve bicycle and pedestrian transportation in several Oklahoma communities as part of the Transportation Alternatives Program. Commissioners praised the program and the benefits the selected projects will bring to the local communities.
Agency worked with Oklahoma's 11 sub-state planning districts to review and recommend eligible project applications, and will work with the local governments to design and administer the projects.
“This program makes it possible for local governments to provide a safer, more connected transportation system for bicyclists, pedestrians and drivers. These projects can have a major impact, especially in small communities,” Mike Patterson, executive director said. “We had so many great project applications this year, and I appreciate the sub-state planning districts providing their recommendations of quality projects that will have a significant impact on the communities.”
Funding for TAP is designated for local projects like sidewalks, pedestrian and bicycle trails, streetscapes, safe routes to school and environmental or historical preservation. A complete list and map of projects receiving TAP funding can be found at www.odot.org/tap.
Patterson gave an update on emergency contracts issued to repair damage to two bridges. The U.S. 77 bridge over I-35 near Turner Falls was recently struck by an oversized vehicle and is being repaired.
A railroad bridge on the state-owned Blackwell Northern Gateway Rail Line near Braman was damaged by a fire in June. ODOT is currently designing a repair project.
Commissioners voted to award a nearly $1.3 million contract for landslide repair on SH 51 near Sand Springs and a $16.2 million contract to reconstruct nearly 8 mi. (12.9 mi) of U.S. 75A between Beggs and Mounds.
They also approved two contracts to make safety improvements to traffic signals on several highways in eastern and central Oklahoma, including the Tulsa and Oklahoma City metro areas. The traffic signals will be upgraded with a reflective border around the lights to make them more visible to drivers, especially at night.
The commission also approved a $14 million contract for construction of the final phase of the Duncan Bypass South Connector in Duncan and a more than $11 million contract with financial incentives for highway and bridge reconstruction on U.S. 377/SH 99 north of Tishomingo.
In all, commissioners awarded 29 contracts totaling $112 million to improve bridges, highways, interstates and roads in 22 counties. Contracts were awarded for projects in Bryan, Cherokee, Creek, Dewey, Garfield, Garvin, Haskell, Jackson, Johnston, Kay, Lincoln, Love, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Stephens, Texas, Tillman, Tulsa and Wagoner counties.
For more information, visit www.odot.org/contracts.
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