Preparations Begin On Multi-Million Dollar I-35 Construction Project

Preparations begin Monday on an multi-million dollar construction project along Interstate-35.

The project officially starts October 1, but Oklahoma Department of Transportation crews begin work narrowing the work-zone Monday.

The bridge reconstruction project will take place on I-35 over the Deep Fork Creek area between the I-44 Interchange at I-35 and northeast 50th street.

During initial setup starting Monday evening, northbound I-35 will be narrowed to two lanes. By Tuesday barrier walls will be up with two lanes in north and southbound I-35.

Construction crews will be creating a narrow work zone with lowered speed in those area. Drivers in and around the construction zone should expect delays.

State transportation staff said throughout the course of the project there will be lane and ramp closures and closures on the East Frontage Rd between 63rd Street and 50th Street. 

The up to $31 million dollar contract will take just more than a year to complete.

"These bridges were built in 1975 and the experience a large amount of heavy truck traffic in and traffic in general so the age and condition of these bridges which are deemed structurally deficient necessitate we go ahead and replace them now," said Lisa Shearer-Salim.

Again this project is slated to take a little more than a year but the contractors involved do have financial incentives to finish early.