Capitol Update: Transportation

By State Rep. Randy Randleman
In this column, I’d like to give a brief overview of some of the projects the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) has coming up for our house district.
I’ve been in regular contact with the ODOT engineers that serve our district, and I appreciate them keeping me updated on the status of the projects on the department’s eight-year plan.
A few of the major projects include:
In LeFlore County, utility relocation work is underway on U.S. Highway 59 and State Highway 9, otherwise known as the “Sunset Corner project.” Grading, drainage and bridge construction will begin in 2023, followed by the final roadway resurfacing in 2024. The work will extend 5.9 miles west from Sunset Corner. The total projected cost is almost $39 million.
In Haskell County, grading, drainage, bridge and surface work on State Highway 9 from Whitefield to Stigler is set to begin in 2029 at a projected cost of $15 million.
In Muskogee and Sequoyah counties, the replacement of the Interstate 40 bridges over the Arkansas River is set to begin in 2028 at a projected cost of $35 million.
I believe everyone in the area is familiar with the terrible tragedy that occurred in 2002 when a barge hit a bridge pier below Webbers Falls knocking out a section of these bridges. This resulted in the deaths of 14 people, with 11 others being injured. It will be good to have these bridges rebuilt.
Another project of note on the eight-year plan: ODOT is looking to add crosswalks, improve drainage and resurface the driving lanes and parking on U.S. Highway 69B in downtown Eufaula beginning in 2025.
Some smaller projects are happening in the current fiscal year (FY22).

In Haskell County:
Resurfacing of State Highway 9 beginning 19 miles east of the State Highway 2 junction, extending east 5.72 miles to the LeFlore County line, at a projected cost of $1.27 million.
Resurfacing of State Highway 82 beginning just south of the Latimer County line, extending north 3.15 miles, at a projected cost of more than $1.2 million.

In LeFlore County:
Bridge rehabilitation on State Highway 31 over a creek approximately 8.55 miles east of the Haskell County line at a projected cost of $1 million.

In Muskogee County:
Rehabilitation of the bridge and its approaches on State Highway 2 over a creek, approximately 1.3 miles north of the Haskell County line, at a projected cost of almost $2.1 million.

Again, I’m grateful for the hard work of the engineers and all of the workers and contractors who help keep our roads safe and in good condition.
If I can be of help to you in any way, please contact me at (405) 557-7375 or Randy.Randleman@OKHouse.gov.

Randleman represents District 15 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes portions of Haskell, LeFlore, McIntosh, Muskogee, Pittsburg and Seqouyah counties.