Oklahoma City, OK – The ongoing construction at the I-35 and I-44 interchange in Northeast Oklahoma City is raising increasing concerns about driver safety. With multiple accidents reported in recent days, local authorities are urging drivers to exercise extra caution, especially with more construction changes planned for this weekend.
According to Bryce Boyer from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), the construction zone is already a known trouble spot for commuters. Boyer emphasized that while local drivers are accustomed to the sight of construction cones, narrow lanes, and work crews, the continued changes in the construction area make it a more challenging environment for those navigating through it.
“The lanes do have to be more narrow than traditional lanes so that we can continue to work off the road,” said Boyer. “It is a tighter configuration than it will be in the final phase, but it’s necessary to keep the project moving forward.”
The construction zone has already seen four major accidents over the past eight days, highlighting the risks in the area. As the project progresses, which is expected to continue until the end of the year, the need for caution becomes more critical. The ongoing narrowing of lanes is a fundamental aspect of the project, but it is also contributing to the increased danger.
In addition to the tighter lanes, wet weather expected this weekend adds another layer of risk for drivers. Boyer stressed the importance of paying close attention while traveling through the construction zone, especially during the forecasted rainfall.
To make matters more complicated, additional closures and changes are scheduled for this weekend. From 8 p.m. on Friday to 6 a.m. on Monday, southbound I-35 will be closed between Wilshire and NE 50th. Southbound traffic will be diverted to westbound I-44, adding a new level of complexity to the already congested area. Furthermore, the eastbound I-44 off-ramp to southbound I-35 will also be intermittently closed during the weekend.
Despite these challenges, Boyer noted that no additional lighting is planned for the construction zone until the final phase of the project, meaning that drivers will have to navigate the narrow lanes without enhanced visibility during nighttime hours.
For now, ODOT is urging all drivers to remain vigilant, especially as they face continued disruptions and unpredictable conditions in this busy construction zone. With the project still set to last for several months, the importance of safety cannot be overstated.
