A recent article in our free weekly is enlightening:
http://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/article-13642-life-is-an-expressway.html
Eastbound traffic on the new alignment about Christmas. That will be sweet.
rte66man
Quote from: rte66man on December 02, 2011, 01:32:37 PM
A recent article in our free weekly is enlightening:
http://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/article-13642-life-is-an-expressway.html
Eastbound traffic on the new alignment about Christmas. That will be sweet.
rte66man
Does anyone have driving video of the 'old' route here?
Mike
Quote from: mgk920 on December 02, 2011, 04:07:31 PM
Quote from: rte66man on December 02, 2011, 01:32:37 PM
A recent article in our free weekly is enlightening:
http://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/article-13642-life-is-an-expressway.html
Eastbound traffic on the new alignment about Christmas. That will be sweet.
rte66man
Does anyone have driving video of the 'old' route here?
Mike
I think HB Elkins took video of it during the OKC meet a couple of years ago–try his site.
It brings up the interesting scenario whereby the eastbound lanes will be separated from the westbound lanes by 5 blocks at certain points. Although temporary, has this happened in other urban areas? I'm not counting the rural instances (I5, I24, etc).
rte66man
Quote from: rte66man on December 04, 2011, 09:02:18 AM
It brings up the interesting scenario whereby the eastbound lanes will be separated from the westbound lanes by 5 blocks at certain points. Although temporary, has this happened in other urban areas? I'm not counting the rural instances (I5, I24, etc).
I-93 in Boston.
I imagine it wouldn't happen too terribly often in urban areas–if you get the carriageways too far apart they start serving separate corridors and it no longer makes sense for them to bear the same number.
Quote from: rte66man on December 04, 2011, 09:02:18 AM
It brings up the interesting scenario whereby the eastbound lanes will be separated from the westbound lanes by 5 blocks at certain points. Although temporary, has this happened in other urban areas? I'm not counting the rural instances (I5, I24, etc).
rte66man
I-75 in north suburban Cincinnati, OH.
Mike
Quote from: mgk920 on December 04, 2011, 01:50:53 PM
Quote from: rte66man on December 04, 2011, 09:02:18 AM
It brings up the interesting scenario whereby the eastbound lanes will be separated from the westbound lanes by 5 blocks at certain points. Although temporary, has this happened in other urban areas? I'm not counting the rural instances (I5, I24, etc).
rte66man
I-75 in north suburban Cincinnati, OH.
Mike
I-670 in Columbus, OH, though that's changing now. I-93 Boston is cheating because it's underground :P (And I know SPUI will come after me for that but I stick with that charge.)
I plan on taking pictures this weekend of both the soon-to-be old & new parts of I-40 in this area.
A couple pictures are posted on the OKC Talk message board here:
http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=15390&p=489482#post489482 (http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=15390&p=489482#post489482)
(Note a sign goof in the 2nd picture: that should be an I-40 shield and not an I-44 shield)
"ODOT To Motoring Public: Here, Have Some More Ugly Signs"
So, the purpose is to reduce neighborhood severance by rerouting the freeway along the rail line?
I just noticed something silly when looking this up. On the project's official site, look at the page title on the interactive map (http://www.40forward.com/flash/interactive_map/default.htm).
"I95 ETL - Interactive Map".
Looks like we've got a little bit of sloppy coding plagiarism! :pan:
Update from the Daily Disappointment:
http://newsok.com/new-i-40-in-oklahoma-city-could-open-in-january/article/3632077
Some nice pics and a video. ODOT now quoting January for opening the eastbound lanes.
rte66man
Anyone know if there's any plans for a ribbon cutting? I've never been to one so I was thinking of attending.
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 20, 2011, 09:52:49 AM
Anyone know if there's any plans for a ribbon cutting? I've never been to one so I was thinking of attending.
Looks like Jan. 5 is your opportunity:
http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/newsmedia/press/2011/11-070_gift_of_a_century_to_be_opened_at_i-40_crosstown_ribbon_cutting.pdf
"Come celebrate the gift of a century with the grand opening of the new I-40 Crosstown,
hosted by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, the City of Oklahoma
City and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. The ribbon cutting will be:
10 a.m.
Thursday, Jan. 5
On the new eastbound lanes near the Western Ave. bridge ..."
EDIT
"...Following a short ceremony, a caravan representing local businesses will open the
eastbound lanes..."
Of course, the Roadgeek Challenge will be to drive in the initial caravan ... :sombrero:
SECOND EDIT
This report indicates that the westbound lanes will open four to six weeks after Jan.5:
http://www.koco.com/r/30038384/detail.html
"... While the eastbound lanes of the new roadway will open on Jan. 5, the westbound lanes won't open until four to six weeks later..."
Quote from: Grzrd on December 20, 2011, 01:20:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 20, 2011, 09:52:49 AM
Anyone know if there's any plans for a ribbon cutting? I've never been to one so I was thinking of attending.
Looks like Jan. 5 is your opportunity:
http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/newsmedia/press/2011/11-070_gift_of_a_century_to_be_opened_at_i-40_crosstown_ribbon_cutting.pdf
"... While the eastbound lanes of the new roadway will open on Jan. 5, the westbound lanes won't open until four to six weeks later..."
I'll be shocked if they can do it that fast because of the work needed at the west end at Agnew. Lots of demolition and a new westbound Agnew overpass will be needed. The east end tie in shouldn't be a problem.
Gonna try to get out on Friday (weather dependent) and get some pics of the work
rte66man
I'm disappointed they chose the routing they did for one reason:
http://g.co/maps/vuraa
This railroad underpass no longer exists - and I love these things.
Quote from: US-43|72 on December 23, 2011, 07:12:26 AM
I'm disappointed they chose the routing they did for one reason:
http://g.co/maps/vuraa
This railroad underpass no longer exists - and I love these things.
Never knew that was there...
There are a few of those between Downtown and Bricktown, that have large ornate "Bricktown" lettering on them, as they act as portals to the entertainment district. They'll probably always be there.
Google Maps seems to have added the new I-40 alignment as a full freeway at certain zoom levels. Current I-40 is also still shown...
Been under those as well, Scott. They're not the same, as the roadway isn't depressed; the railroad is elevated there.
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 23, 2011, 09:56:09 AM
Google Maps seems to have added the new I-40 alignment as a full freeway at certain zoom levels. Current I-40 is also still shown...
It's appearing to me as either an underground road or an under construction road tonight on Google Maps:
http://maps.google.com/?ll=35.460425,-97.502332&spn=0.007419,0.016512&t=m&vpsrc=6&z=17 (http://maps.google.com/?ll=35.460425,-97.502332&spn=0.007419,0.016512&t=m&vpsrc=6&z=17)
EDIT: Looking at the aerials, I'm curious if Oklahoma has a fear of SPUIs like INDOT; just looking at the map it seems Western and Pennsylvania Avenues would be great spots for SPUIs instead of compact diamonds,
Quote from: Revive 755 on December 23, 2011, 07:38:16 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 23, 2011, 09:56:09 AM
Google Maps seems to have added the new I-40 alignment as a full freeway at certain zoom levels. Current I-40 is also still shown...
It's appearing to me as either an underground road or an under construction road tonight on Google Maps:
http://maps.google.com/?ll=35.460425,-97.502332&spn=0.007419,0.016512&t=m&vpsrc=6&z=17 (http://maps.google.com/?ll=35.460425,-97.502332&spn=0.007419,0.016512&t=m&vpsrc=6&z=17)
EDIT: Looking at the aerials, I'm curious if Oklahoma has a fear of SPUIs like INDOT; just looking at the map it seems Western and Pennsylvania Avenues would be great spots for SPUIs instead of compact diamonds,
ODOT is about to convert 2 interchanges in Norman to SPUIs; Main Street & Lindsey Street. These will be the 2nd & 3rd SPUIs in the OKC metro area.
Edit: I-40 & Morgan Road is currently being converted to a SPUI. Can't believe I forgot that one; thanks rte66man for reminding me.
Quote from: okroads on December 24, 2011, 07:09:11 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on December 23, 2011, 07:38:16 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 23, 2011, 09:56:09 AM
Google Maps seems to have added the new I-40 alignment as a full freeway at certain zoom levels. Current I-40 is also still shown...
It's appearing to me as either an underground road or an under construction road tonight on Google Maps:
http://maps.google.com/?ll=35.460425,-97.502332&spn=0.007419,0.016512&t=m&vpsrc=6&z=17 (http://maps.google.com/?ll=35.460425,-97.502332&spn=0.007419,0.016512&t=m&vpsrc=6&z=17)
EDIT: Looking at the aerials, I'm curious if Oklahoma has a fear of SPUIs like INDOT; just looking at the map it seems Western and Pennsylvania Avenues would be great spots for SPUIs instead of compact diamonds,
ODOT is about to convert 2 interchanges in Norman to SPUIs; Main Street & Lindsey Street. These will be the first 2 SPUIs in the OKC metro area.
Nope, I40 and Morgan Road is a SPUI and will be open before work starts on the 2 Norman interchanges.
rte66man
Quote from: okroads on December 24, 2011, 07:09:11 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on December 23, 2011, 07:38:16 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 23, 2011, 09:56:09 AM
Google Maps seems to have added the new I-40 alignment as a full freeway at certain zoom levels. Current I-40 is also still shown...
It's appearing to me as either an underground road or an under construction road tonight on Google Maps:
http://maps.google.com/?ll=35.460425,-97.502332&spn=0.007419,0.016512&t=m&vpsrc=6&z=17 (http://maps.google.com/?ll=35.460425,-97.502332&spn=0.007419,0.016512&t=m&vpsrc=6&z=17)
EDIT: Looking at the aerials, I'm curious if Oklahoma has a fear of SPUIs like INDOT; just looking at the map it seems Western and Pennsylvania Avenues would be great spots for SPUIs instead of compact diamonds,
ODOT is about to convert 2 interchanges in Norman to SPUIs; Main Street & Lindsey Street. These will be the first 2 SPUIs in the OKC metro area.
Hadn't heard about Lindsey Street. Last I'd heard they'd only decided on Main. Cool!
Quote from: rte66man on December 24, 2011, 08:09:35 PM
Quote from: okroads on December 24, 2011, 07:09:11 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on December 23, 2011, 07:38:16 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 23, 2011, 09:56:09 AM
Google Maps seems to have added the new I-40 alignment as a full freeway at certain zoom levels. Current I-40 is also still shown...
It's appearing to me as either an underground road or an under construction road tonight on Google Maps:
http://maps.google.com/?ll=35.460425,-97.502332&spn=0.007419,0.016512&t=m&vpsrc=6&z=17 (http://maps.google.com/?ll=35.460425,-97.502332&spn=0.007419,0.016512&t=m&vpsrc=6&z=17)
EDIT: Looking at the aerials, I'm curious if Oklahoma has a fear of SPUIs like INDOT; just looking at the map it seems Western and Pennsylvania Avenues would be great spots for SPUIs instead of compact diamonds,
ODOT is about to convert 2 interchanges in Norman to SPUIs; Main Street & Lindsey Street. These will be the first 2 SPUIs in the OKC metro area.
Nope, I40 and Morgan Road is a SPUI and will be open before work starts on the 2 Norman interchanges.
rte66man
Duh! I forgot about that one. Post edited accordingly.
VMS signs were up yesterday on I40 saying there would be lane changes eastbound beginning Jan 5 at 12 Noon. Here's the link to the ODOT press release:
http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/newsmedia/press/2011/11-070_gift_of_a_century_to_be_opened_at_i-40_crosstown_ribbon_cutting.pdf
rte66man
I took a few pics today of the soon-to-be old I-40 East signs and a few pics of the new I-40 area:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/okroads/sets/72157628689523651/with/6623980273/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/okroads/sets/72157628689523651/with/6623980273/)
Is the "old" I-40 alignment that will still be a freeway going to remain a state highway? Will it have a number?
They're gonna tear down the old highway and convert it to a boulevard. Whether it will have a state route assigned to it, I don't know.
Quote from: bugo on January 04, 2012, 07:29:50 PM
Is the "old" I-40 alignment that will still be a freeway going to remain a state highway? Will it have a number?
Between Western & I-35, the old I-40 bridge will be turned into an at-grade boulevard. Between Penn & Western, the road will remain basically the same as it is now. All of the old I-40 route will become Business Loop I-40 when the boulevard is complete.
Althouogh I didn't get to go to the opening, one of my co-workers brought me the press kit. I will try to get it scanned and posted in a few days. Meanwhile, there is a great video of the opening caravan at:
http://newsok.com/eastbound-lanes-of-new-interstate-40-crosstown-open-for-traffic-in-oklahoma-city/article/3637717
rte66man
It looks pretty good, especially the bridges.
They get 10 lanes while 169 in Tulsa is still 6?
Quote from: bugo on January 06, 2012, 12:02:05 AM
They get 10 lanes while 169 in Tulsa is still 6?
The major impetus for this project was the deteriorating condition of the old bridge. According to the politicians that spoke at the opening ceremony, getting traffic off the elevated Crosstown alignment was priority one for the state government, for safety reasons. While they were doing that, they wanted to future-proof the new highway, thus the 10 lanes. One speaker (either Rep. Lankford or State Sen. Bingman, can't remember which) suggested the goal was to make the new freeway last until the 22nd century, although I figure that's probably hyperbole and not going to happen.
Ray LaHood blogged about yesterday's opening of this project (http://fastlane.dot.gov/2012/01/oklahoma-i-40-crosstown-expressway-relieves-congestion-months-ahead-of-schedule.html). That "40 Forward" flag shown in one of the photos looks mighty enticing.
OK, got some of the press kit material scanned in. It can be seen at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rte66man/sets/72157624834879162/
I didn't scan all the postcards. There also was a very large cardboard satellite shot with the new rout drawn in. It is the same as the one on ODOT's site, but much larger and sharper.
rte66man
I took some pics of the new I-40 eastbound lanes today:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/okroads/sets/72157628766967667/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/okroads/sets/72157628766967667/)
Quote from: The Situation™ on December 06, 2011, 08:40:05 PM
Quote from: rte66man on December 04, 2011, 09:02:18 AM
It brings up the interesting scenario whereby the eastbound lanes will be separated from the westbound lanes by 5 blocks at certain points. Although temporary, has this happened in other urban areas? I'm not counting the rural instances (I5, I24, etc).
rte66man
I-670 in Columbus, OH, though that's changing now.
That change is only temporary. When the project's done, I-670 will again be split on either side of Fort Hayes (about ½ mile, or 6 city blocks, roughly round in shape).
Aside from a few signage issues, the crazy thing in DSC07474 is interesting. I'm all for aesthics... The reconstruction of I-29 in Council Bluffs, Iowa produced a similar thingy, but they took it to whole a new level... It's an absolute monstrosity. It's either at Exit 3 or 1B in Council Bluffs on I-29... It is the most ugly thing I have ever seen.
Edit: The DSC07474 I was referring to was the pic on OKRoad's Flickr. Thanks again for posting the photos!
Quote from: M86 on January 08, 2012, 05:59:12 AM
Aside from a few signage issues, the crazy thing in DSC07474 is interesting. I'm all for aesthics... The reconstruction of I-29 in Council Bluffs, Iowa produced a similar thingy, but they took it to whole a new level... It's an absolute monstrosity. It's either at Exit 3 or 1B in Council Bluffs on I-29... It is the most ugly thing I have ever seen.
Edit: The DSC07474 I was referring to was the pic on OKRoad's Flickr. Thanks again for posting the photos!
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7171%2F6655665421_34d0fd59f2_b.jpg&hash=71f400b80720ddf8385885ca0de7e1f26bea79dc)
This is the picture M86 was referring to. This is the Skydance pedestrian bridge; it is supposed to resemble the scissor-tailed flycatcher, the state bird of Oklahoma. It also has different colored lights but to my knowledge, it has not been lit up yet since the new I-40 opened. (Which is probably just as well; during the day, traffic has slowed down around the bridge gazing up at it)
ODOT has posted some pitcures of the work on their website:
http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/newsmedia/i40-okc/pics.php
rte66man
Yet more photos of the new road, this time from KFOR-TV:
http://www.kfor.com/43/photos/kfor-crosstown-stills-the-new-i40-crosstown-in-okc-20120105,0,1041431.photogallery
rte66man
Quote from: okroads on January 09, 2012, 01:16:21 AM
This is the picture M86 was referring to. This is the Skydance pedestrian bridge; it is supposed to resemble the scissor-tailed flycatcher, the state bird of Oklahoma. It also has different colored lights but to my knowledge, it has not been lit up yet since the new I-40 opened. (Which is probably just as well; during the day, traffic has slowed down around the bridge gazing up at it)
I do like this. The thing I saw in Council Bluffs on I-29 was over the top, and ridiculous... Wish I had a pic of it. But, I really like this!
Westbound lanes will open on Sunday 2/19.
http://newsok.com/article/3649240 (http://newsok.com/article/3649240)
Quote from: okroads on February 15, 2012, 05:03:53 PM
Westbound lanes will open on Sunday 2/19.
http://newsok.com/article/3649240 (http://newsok.com/article/3649240)
and:
http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/newsmedia/press/2012/12-007_crosstown_westbound_traffic_switch.pdf
rte66man
Pictures of the new I-40 westbound lanes:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/okroads/sets/72157629391610785/with/6905547523/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/okroads/sets/72157629391610785/with/6905547523/)
Google Maps has updated to show the new alignment of I-40, though if you zoom out a bit, both the new and old alignments disappear entirely: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=35.427106,-97.338867&spn=0.576296,1.352692&t=m&z=10&vpsrc=6
Ugh. What the hell is going on with the middle panel here? http://www.flickr.com/photos/okroads/6905540463/in/set-72157629391610785/
Is the old alignment still open at all?
I don't think so.
Quote from: bugo on February 20, 2012, 08:56:54 PM
Is the old alignment still open at all?
Nope; with the opening of the new westbound lanes, the old alignment is now completely closed off to traffic.
Quote from: okroads on January 09, 2012, 01:16:21 AM
Quote from: M86 on January 08, 2012, 05:59:12 AM
Edit: The DSC07474 I was referring to was the pic on OKRoad's Flickr. Thanks again for posting the photos!
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7171%2F6655665421_34d0fd59f2_b.jpg&hash=71f400b80720ddf8385885ca0de7e1f26bea79dc)
This is the picture M86 was referring to. This is the Skydance pedestrian bridge; it is supposed to resemble the scissor-tailed flycatcher, the state bird of Oklahoma. It also has different colored lights but to my knowledge, it has not been lit up yet since the new I-40 opened. (Which is probably just as well; during the day, traffic has slowed down around the bridge gazing up at it)
I was wondering what the heck that was!
An odd opportunity, but the weather is supposed to be good.
http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/newsmedia/press/2012/12-009_public's_last_opportunity_on_old_i-40_crosstown_interstate.pdf
Walk or drive the Crosstown for the last time. Has this type of thing been done for an urban overpass before?
rte66man
Quote from: rte66man on February 27, 2012, 10:08:33 AM
An odd opportunity, but the weather is supposed to be good.
http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/newsmedia/press/2012/12-009_public's_last_opportunity_on_old_i-40_crosstown_interstate.pdf
Walk or drive the Crosstown for the last time. Has this type of thing been done for an urban overpass before?
rte66man
Went to this and got some close-ups of the button copy signage, and also got interviewed by KWTV. Of course I ended up using the opportunity to say something completely stupid. :P
http://www.news9.com/story/17049995/drivers-say-goodbye-to-old-i-40-crosstown
The best of the photos I took are at http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Old_Oklahoma_City_Crosstown_Expressway – I also have some zoom-ins on each panel in case anyone wants those.