Oklahoma – At its recent meeting, the Oklahoma Transportation Commission received an update on the state’s national bridge condition ranking, upcoming infrastructure projects, and a new community engagement initiative.
Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) Executive Director Tim Gatz informed commissioners that Oklahoma climbed to No. 4 nationally for the lowest percentage of structurally deficient bridges on the highway system. This ranking covers non-tolled interstates, U.S. highways, and state highways under ODOT jurisdiction. The top three states were Arizona, Texas, and Georgia.
Currently, only 35 highway bridges in Oklahoma are rated as poor, representing fewer than 1% of all highway bridges maintained by ODOT. The remaining bridges are planned to be addressed through the Eight-Year Construction Work Plan or the Asset Preservation Plan. Oklahoma first entered the national Top Ten for bridge condition in 2019 after years of focused investment and support from the Legislature and commission, improving significantly from 49th place in 2004.
Gatz credited the progress to the Roads Fund established in 2005 and ongoing collaboration with staff and private partners, while emphasizing the need to continue efforts to maintain infrastructure quality.
Commissioners were also introduced to ODOT’s first-ever Snowplow Naming Contest, launching August 11. The contest invites students from kindergarten through 12th grade statewide to submit creative names for 24 snowplows in ODOT’s winter fleet. Winners will have their chosen names displayed on snowplows and receive prize packages. More information will be available at OkTraffic.org starting August 11.
In project approvals, the commission greenlit a $76 million contract to improve the I-40 interchanges at mile markers 65 and 65A in Clinton. This partnership with the City of Clinton aims to improve traffic flow in the growing community, with construction expected to start early next year and last about three and a half years.
Additionally, a $16 million phase of I-35 widening near Thackerville between mile markers 5 and 8 was approved. Work will begin this fall, following completion of a previous segment, and is anticipated to finish by spring. Two lanes in each direction will remain open, with some overnight closures expected.
The commission, a nine-member body appointed by the governor and legislative leaders, oversees state transportation development and awards contracts monthly. At this meeting, commissioners awarded 30 contracts totaling over $102 million for road and bridge improvements statewide. A complete list is available at the ODOT Business Center and in official letting documents.
Oklahoma Transportation Commission celebrates rise to No. 4 in national bridge rankings and greenlights $92 million in highway projects
