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[Plutonic Panda]

Didn't see a thread for minor projects around the state.

Durant is getting a nice makeover to improve US-69/75 Corridor in Bryant County to upgrade to interstate standards.

From ODOT

Thanks to U.S. Sen. James Inhofe, a federal grant will bring convenience, access and safety to the US-69/75 corridor near Durant, putting highway improvements into the fast lane.
 
The $62 million FASTLANE grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, will help improve safety and efficiency for the significant freight traffic on the US-69/75 corridor by improving approximately four miles of existing highway from Chickasaw Rd. in Calera to US-70 in Durant. This segment has numerous access points, including three signalized intersections and a rail crossing, which create traffic congestion and serious safety concerns. This grant will fund projects to upgrade US-69/75 to a controlled-access highway with grade separations and frontage roads, as well as improvements to rail crossings.
 
“Without this grant there was no funding solution for this project,” said ODOT Executive Director Mike Patterson. “We are thankful to Senator Inhofe, Congressman Markwayne Mullin and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma who have all been instrumental in the application process. We have been encouraged by the broad support from entities that are impacted by freight movement in this region.”
 
US-69/75 is a major freight corridor connecting eastern Oklahoma with nearby regional centers like Dallas, Texas and St. Louis, Mo. and with national border crossings.
 
This was a very competitive grant process, and Oklahoma’s application was one of only 18 projects selected out of more than 200 submissions nationwide.
 
In addition to improving freight movement through this stretch of highway, the upgrades are expected to significantly improve driver safety by reducing intersection-related crashes. Of the 346 collisions on US-69/75 in this area from 2010 to 2014, 63 percent occurred at an intersection and 19 percent involved a commercial motor vehicle. The existing crash rate is four and a half times higher than that of a similar grade-separated, controlled-access segment of US-69/75 in Pittsburg County.
 
With funding set, ODOT will expedite work to complete the environmental review, engineering, right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation by Federal Fiscal Year 2018. Construction is tentatively set to begin in FFY 2019. Before announcement of this grant, the right-of-way and utility phases were scheduled for FFY 2023 and construction was not even scheduled in ODOT’s Eight-year Construction Work Plan due to no available funding solution.

- https://www.ok.gov/triton/modules/newsroom/newsroom_article.php?id=277&article_id=23200

Some other articles here:

https://www.ok.gov/triton/modules/newsroom/newsroom_article.php?id=277&article_id=23420

http://durantdemocrat.com/news/5904/grant-awarded-for-highway-6975-upgrade

[Plutonic Panda]

2 more miles of US 69 is getting upgraded to a fully controlled facility in McAlester. Construction to begin later this year.



Meeting materials here: https://www.ok.gov/odot/Programs_and_Projects/Public_Meetings_and_Hearings/20151105.html

[Bobby5280]

It's too bad ODOT can't funding to upgrade a LOT more of US-69 to Interstate standards. There is a huge amount of truck traffic on that corridor. At least these upgrades in Calera and McAlester will be relatively painless. There's next to nothing in terms of property to buy and demolish to make room for the new road. Frontage roads already run alongside those segments.

[Baloo Uriza]

It's too bad ODOT can't funding to upgrade a LOT more of US-69 to Interstate standards. There is a huge amount of truck traffic on that corridor. At least these upgrades in Calera and McAlester will be relatively painless. There's next to nothing in terms of property to buy and demolish to make room for the new road. Frontage roads already run alongside those segments.

Maybe if we unsuspended the exploration tax that previously financed this state, even at their low rate.  Not like oil companies are going to move away from reserves larger than Saudi Arabia, and no reason we shouldn't be using this state's third largest natural asset (after sun and wind), when it's going to get pumped out anyway, to work for us.

But, knowing how this state's legislature does math, they'll just keep trying that budget cut idea, even though all that's done is leave the state neglected and 49th in everything.  Because in GOP math, zero revenue + nothing left to cut - everything's worn out = corporate profits + GOP math = infallable

[Rick1962]

It's too bad ODOT can't funding to upgrade a LOT more of US-69 to Interstate standards. There is a huge amount of truck traffic on that corridor. At least these upgrades in Calera and McAlester will be relatively painless. There's next to nothing in terms of property to buy and demolish to make room for the new road. Frontage roads already run alongside those segments.

Maybe if we unsuspended the exploration tax that previously financed this state, even at their low rate.  Not like oil companies are going to move away from reserves larger than Saudi Arabia, and no reason we shouldn't be using this state's third largest natural asset (after sun and wind), when it's going to get pumped out anyway, to work for us.

But, knowing how this state's legislature does math, they'll just keep trying that budget cut idea, even though all that's done is leave the state neglected and 49th in everything.  Because in GOP math, zero revenue + nothing left to cut - everything's worn out = corporate profits + GOP math = infallable

Even if the State were flush with cash, the political powers-that-be in SE Oklahoma would never allow the remaining podunks south of McAlester to be bypassed.

SAMSUNG-SM-G920A

[Baloo Uriza]

It's too bad ODOT can't funding to upgrade a LOT more of US-69 to Interstate standards. There is a huge amount of truck traffic on that corridor. At least these upgrades in Calera and McAlester will be relatively painless. There's next to nothing in terms of property to buy and demolish to make room for the new road. Frontage roads already run alongside those segments.

Maybe if we unsuspended the exploration tax that previously financed this state, even at their low rate.  Not like oil companies are going to move away from reserves larger than Saudi Arabia, and no reason we shouldn't be using this state's third largest natural asset (after sun and wind), when it's going to get pumped out anyway, to work for us.

But, knowing how this state's legislature does math, they'll just keep trying that budget cut idea, even though all that's done is leave the state neglected and 49th in everything.  Because in GOP math, zero revenue + nothing left to cut - everything's worn out = corporate profits + GOP math = infallable

Even if the State were flush with cash, the political powers-that-be in SE Oklahoma would never allow the remaining podunks south of McAlester to be bypassed.

SAMSUNG-SM-G920A

No reason to bother anyway.  Pretty much going to take Texas successfully leaving the US to change that (in which, pretty much all of Dallas' population is taking over Durant).

[Plutonic Panda]

New left lane passing only signs are coming in 2017.

At its Tuesday, Sept. 6 meeting, the Oklahoma Transportation Commission approved a planned Oklahoma Department of Transportation project to place signs on I-35 and I-40 statewide to encourage motorists to use the right lane and not impede left lane traffic. The project to install these signs will use federal funds and is expected to go to bid in early 2017.

- https://www.ok.gov/triton/modules/newsroom/newsroom_article.php?id=277&article_id=25261

[Scott5114]

NICE

[Baloo Uriza]

New left lane passing only signs are coming in 2017.

Why not "KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS"?

[Otto Yamamoto]

How about DRIVE RIGHT (OVERTAKE) PASS LEFT?

XT1585

[Baloo Uriza]

How about DRIVE RIGHT (OVERTAKE) PASS LEFT?

XT1585

Well, out of the four wordings suggested, I seem to recall only one is in the SHS.

[Bobby5280]

Why not "KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS"?

That phrase doesn't speak as directly to thick-headed drivers who insist on driving slow in the left lane. Those new designs have a sternly worded tone, particularly with the "state law" header applied to them.

Some of the rolling road block morons out there don't realize they can get a ticket for driving slow in the left lane and blocking passing traffic on Oklahoma's Interstates and turnpikes. Those new designs should remove any of the "I didn't know" excuses when they get stopped by OHP.

[Baloo Uriza]

Why not "KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS"?

That phrase doesn't speak as directly to thick-headed drivers who insist on driving slow in the left lane. Those new designs have a sternly worded tone, particularly with the "state law" header applied to them.

Some of the rolling road block morons out there don't realize they can get a ticket for driving slow in the left lane and blocking passing traffic on Oklahoma's Interstates and turnpikes. Those new designs should remove any of the "I didn't know" excuses when they get stopped by OHP.

Oregon uses those wordings in the western half of the state. It doesn't work.  Oregon uses the "KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS" in the mountains, 3-lane highways, and east of the cascades.  It's unambiguous as to what the expectation is.

Kind of like how places are phasing out yellow "SHARE THE ROAD" signs in favor of white "BICYCLES MAY USE FULL LANE, CHANGE LANES TO PASS" signs.  Both signs mean the same thing, and are completely superfluous under the law...

[compdude787]

Why not "KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS"?

That phrase doesn't speak as directly to thick-headed drivers who insist on driving slow in the left lane. Those new designs have a sternly worded tone, particularly with the "state law" header applied to them.

Some of the rolling road block morons out there don't realize they can get a ticket for driving slow in the left lane and blocking passing traffic on Oklahoma's Interstates and turnpikes. Those new designs should remove any of the "I didn't know" excuses when they get stopped by OHP.

Oregon uses those wordings in the western half of the state. It doesn't work.  Oregon uses the "KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS" in the mountains, 3-lane highways, and east of the cascades.  It's unambiguous as to what the expectation is.

I would think that simply adding the words "STATE LAW" atop a "Keep Right Except to Pass" would give that sign more teeth.

[Baloo Uriza]

Why not "KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS"?

That phrase doesn't speak as directly to thick-headed drivers who insist on driving slow in the left lane. Those new designs have a sternly worded tone, particularly with the "state law" header applied to them.

Some of the rolling road block morons out there don't realize they can get a ticket for driving slow in the left lane and blocking passing traffic on Oklahoma's Interstates and turnpikes. Those new designs should remove any of the "I didn't know" excuses when they get stopped by OHP.

Oregon uses those wordings in the western half of the state. It doesn't work.  Oregon uses the "KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS" in the mountains, 3-lane highways, and east of the cascades.  It's unambiguous as to what the expectation is.

I would think that simply adding the words "STATE LAW" atop a "Keep Right Except to Pass" would give that sign more teeth.

I'd say a want for self-preservation generally does that.  Where this usually comes up in Oregon is on three-lane highways, especially where the downhill lane may use the oncoming left uphill lane as a passing lane.

[Plutonic Panda]

New 8 year plan is out.

Here is the press release: https://ok.gov/triton/modules/newsroom/newsroom_article.php?id=277&article_id=25968

Links to the districts: https://www.ok.gov/odot/Programs_and_______Projects/8_Year_Construction_Work_Plan/

[Plutonic Panda]

Not really anything project related but didn't want to post a new thread for this, OKDOT now has a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OKDOT/

Just thought I'd share.

[Plutonic Panda]

Oklahoma's first J-Turn intersection coming to Muskogee.

An upcoming project beginning in spring 2017 will convert the intersection of US-62 and 2-Mile Rd. near Fort Gibson to a J-Turn, the first intersection of this design constructed by ODOT. Image courtesy of the Federal Highway Administration.

 

How the US-62 J-Turn will work

All north and southbound county road traffic on 2-Mile Rd. will yield at the intersection with US-62 and then make a right turn onto the highway
Through traffic and left-turning traffic will then use a nearby highway median opening to make a U-turn and go back the opposite direction toward 2-Mile Rd.   
Some J-Turn designs include left-turn lanes on the highway and traffic signals. The planned US-62 intersection does not.

https://www.ok.gov/odot/J-Turn_Intersections_101.html

[DJStephens]

Those (J-turn) exist in Missouri.  An attempt to reduce T-bones, no doubt.   

[Plutonic Panda]

Have they worked?

[Baloo Uriza]

Oklahoma's first J-Turn intersection coming to Muskogee.

An upcoming project beginning in spring 2017 will convert the intersection of US-62 and 2-Mile Rd. near Fort Gibson to a J-Turn, the first intersection of this design constructed by ODOT. Image courtesy of the Federal Highway Administration.

 

How the US-62 J-Turn will work

All north and southbound county road traffic on 2-Mile Rd. will yield at the intersection with US-62 and then make a right turn onto the highway
Through traffic and left-turning traffic will then use a nearby highway median opening to make a U-turn and go back the opposite direction toward 2-Mile Rd.   
Some J-Turn designs include left-turn lanes on the highway and traffic signals. The planned US-62 intersection does not.

https://www.ok.gov/odot/J-Turn_Intersections_101.html

Umm, Ramona got the first J-turn intersection in Oklahoma.  A couple years ago even.  It's on US 75 in front of the Cherokee Casino Ramona.

[DJStephens]

It's too bad ODOT can't funding to upgrade a LOT more of US-69 to Interstate standards. There is a huge amount of truck traffic on that corridor. At least these upgrades in Calera and McAlester will be relatively painless. There's next to nothing in terms of property to buy and demolish to make room for the new road. Frontage roads already run alongside those segments.

Maybe if we unsuspended the exploration tax that previously financed this state, even at their low rate.  Not like oil companies are going to move away from reserves larger than Saudi Arabia, and no reason we shouldn't be using this state's third largest natural asset (after sun and wind), when it's going to get pumped out anyway, to work for us.

But, knowing how this state's legislature does math, they'll just keep trying that budget cut idea, even though all that's done is leave the state neglected and 49th in everything.  Because in GOP math, zero revenue + nothing left to cut - everything's worn out = corporate profits + GOP math = infallable

More likely, New Mexico and Mississippi are closer to the 49th in something label. 

[Plutonic Panda]

https://www.ok.gov/odot/Programs_and_Projects/Public_Meetings_and_Hearings/20170323.html

[Stephane Dumas]

Short news about the Gilgrease expressway. https://tollroadsnews.com/news-briefs/daily-news-briefs-march-3-2017/
Including a map showing the interchanges locations. http://www.newson6.com/story/34653486/city-ok-turnpike-authority-agree-to-build-west-leg-of-gilcrease-turnpike

[Baloo Uriza]

Short news about the Gilgrease expressway. https://tollroadsnews.com/news-briefs/daily-news-briefs-march-3-2017/
Including a map showing the interchanges locations. http://www.newson6.com/story/34653486/city-ok-turnpike-authority-agree-to-build-west-leg-of-gilcrease-turnpike

Just goes to show with this, along with selling Helmerich Park to REI, that GT Bynum's as much as an anti-Tulsa douchebag as that Dewey Bartlett shitheel.