Secretary of Transportation and ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz kicked off the meeting with an introduction of Jessica Brown as the new Strategic Communications Director for the Transportation Cabinet. The commission and department also accepted an award from the American Concrete Pavement Association for quality construction of the I-40 and SH-6 Diverging Diamond Interchange in Elk City, which was completed in 2020.
Gatz reported to the commission on transportation legislation being considered by the U.S. Congress and funding for priority Oklahoma highway projects. He also noted that the U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded a $51-million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant to ODOT for I-40 upgrades between Douglas Boulevard in Midwest City and the I-240 junction. The grant will allow ODOT to advance the project in its Eight-year Construction Work Plan to make improvements to the Douglas Boulevard interchange at Tinker Air Force Base and continue expansion of the corridor to six lanes.
Gatz briefed commissioners on the recent report by the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency on the County Improvements for Roads and Bridges program. He thanked LOFT for analyzing the program and providing recommendations for improved management by ODOT and communication with county commissioners and their Circuit Engineering Districts.
Gatz also notified commissioners of the draft final report from consultant Guidehouse for the Transportation Modernization Initiative that includes sharing resources among ODOT, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, and the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission.
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The commission voted to approve a nearly $2-million contract to resurface six miles of eastbound I-44 in Newcastle and southwest Oklahoma City and a more than $1-million contract for pavement rehabilitation on SH-266 near the Tulsa Port of Catoosa. They also awarded contracts for shoulder improvements on SH-33 near Cimarron City and resurfacing of nearly 11 miles of US-412 west of Fort Supply near the Oklahoma Panhandle. Commissioners voted to award 25 contracts totaling more than $65 million to improve highways, roads, and bridges in 29 counties.
