Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s August meeting include a plea for driver attention behind the wheel, participation in a national campaign that seeks to reduce bridge hits by over-height vehicles and authorization for a pavement rehabilitation project on US-69 near Pryor and the continuation of a project to widen I-35, with the latest work to be completed near Goldsby.
As Oklahoma students head back to school and construction activity continues across the state, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is reminding drivers that the decisions they make behind the wheel can have life-changing consequences for everyone on the road.
During Monday’s Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting, ODOT Chief Engineer TJ Dill emphasized the importance of eliminating distractions while driving, particularly in work zones where highway workers are counting on drivers to pay attention and give them the space and respect they deserve. Joining in support of this important public safety issue to increase awareness were Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Executive Director Joe Echelle and Department of Public Safety Major Preston Lay and Lt. Mark Southall. Commissioners, media and meeting attendees were invited to tour a simulated work zone in front of the building to see the many ways the agency attempts to get driver attention in work zones, including a new high-visibility digital message board mounted to a truck.
“Driving is one of the most consequential things we do every day, and distracted driving is one of the leading causes of preventable crashes on Oklahoma roadways, right next to impaired driving,” Dill said. “We are committed to doing our part in making work zones as safe as possible. We will continue to look for the newest technologies and to invest in ways to keep our people and the traveling public safe. Safety ultimately depends on the decisions you make behind the wheel.”
Dill noted that 76 ODOT and OTA workers have lost their lives in the line of duty, including three work zone deaths in the past two years.
“When you drive through a work zone, you’re not just driving through a construction project. You’re driving through someone’s workplace,” Dill said. “At the end of every shift, they deserve to go home safely to their families.”
As students return to school, drivers should be especially mindful of increased pedestrian traffic, including children walking or biking to school and waiting at bus stops. Drivers are reminded to slow down, stay alert and put away distractions anytime they are behind the wheel.
Dill also highlighted ODOT’s participation in the national “Check Your Height, Know It’s Right” campaign, held July 27-31 with 19 other states and the District of Columbia. The campaign encouraged drivers to know the height of their vehicle and load and make sure they can safely clear bridges along their routes. Drivers can find information about vehicle size and weight requirements and obtain necessary permits through ODOT’s Size and Weight Permits webpage.
During the August meeting, commissioners approved a more than $37 million pavement rehabilitation project on US-69 near Pryor. This project will reconstruct nearly eight miles of pavement along US-69 from the SH-20 intersection in Pryor north nearly to Adair. Work is anticipated to begin in November and continue through early 2028.
In addition, commissioners approved continued investments along the I-35 corridor to accommodate growth and mitigate traffic congestion in the area with a $59 million widening project near Goldsby. This project will widen and resurface approximately four and a half miles of I-35 just south of SH-9W, expanding the interstate from four lanes to six lanes, along with bridge work in the area. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2026 and continue through mid-2028.
The nine-member Oklahoma Transportation Commission, appointed by the governor and legislative leadership to oversee the state’s transportation development, awards contracts monthly for road and bridge construction.
Commissioners voted to award 12 contracts totaling $113 million to improve interstates, highways and bridges statewide. The public may access a list of all awarded contracts at the ODOT Business Center.
The next Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8. The meeting will be available to view live via Ustream and past meetings are available on YouTube and vimeo.com/odot.