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(Map of Airport Rd. (SH-152) Ramp Closure and Detour, Map of I-44 Construction Areas)

I-44 bridge and pavement improvements near Will Rogers World Airport

Motorists also need to prepare for a year’s worth of disruption to traffic on the southwest side of Oklahoma City. Beginning Tuesday, crews will be placing signs, cones and barrels along I-44 between I-40 and S.W. 74^th St. and on SH-152/Airport Rd. near I-44 in preparation for two related rehabilitation projects.

The first will significantly affect traffic leaving Will Rogers World Airport when the eastbound SH-152/Airport Rd. ramp to eastbound I-44 (runs north) closes for about one month beginning Sept. 21. This is the primary ramp for traffic leaving the airport to go toward I-40 and downtown Oklahoma City via I-44 and also can impact area businesses.

SH-152 Detour Information:

• Traffic will be detoured to use the eastbound SH-152 ramp to westbound I-44 (runs south toward Lawton) to S.W. 59^th (mm 116A), where drivers can exit and turn around to access eastbound I-44. Delays can be expected with this detour, especially during peak travel times.
• Drivers also may take westbound SH-152 to the new John Kilpatrick Turnpike extension to continue north to I-40; this route option requires a toll payment.

Crews will be replacing expansion joints on the SH-152 ramp and making repairs to the piers and approaches to extend the life of the structure. The more than $610,000 construction contract was awarded to K&R Builders Inc. of Wheatland, Okla., and work on this project is expected to take up to three months to complete.

This is a companion to a $28 million project also beginning in September to improve the pavement and nine bridges on I-44 between I-40 and S.W. 74^th St.

“This project will create a smoother driving surface by replacing deteriorated concrete panels and improving several structurally deficient bridges,” said Rick Howland, ODOT urban construction/maintenance engineer for the Oklahoma City metro. “During construction, drivers should be alert to a rougher driving surface. The process to smooth the new concrete is one of the final steps in the project.”

I-44 will be narrowed to two lanes in each direction at various locations and additional lane and ramp closures, including impacts to nearby city streets, will also be scheduled at times on nights and weekends during the project. The east and westbound S.W. 29^th St. bridges over I-44 also will be closed in a later phase of work, with a local detour in place.

Significant delays and congestion can be expected. Extra travel time should be planned, especially to the airport. Drivers should consider an alternate route such as I-35 to the east, or SH-4, or the John Kilpatrick Turnpike (toll road) to the west.

The contract for the I-44 bridge and pavement rehabilitation project was awarded to Sherwood Construction Co. Inc. of Tulsa. Overall completion is expected in late 2021, weather permitting.

I-44 speed limit reduced south of I-40 beginning Tuesday through fall 2021

Drivers can expect reduced speed limits and workers and equipment near the roadway on I-44 between eastbound and westbound I-40 (mm 120) and S.W. 74^th St. (mm 114) beginning Tuesday as work begins on a bridge and pavement rehabilitation project that continues through fall 2021. Drivers, especially Will Rogers World Airport travelers, should plan extra travel time or use an alternate route. Upcoming lane and ramp closures will be announced as they are scheduled.

SH-152/Airport Rd. speed limit reduced at I-44 near Will Rogers World Airport beginning Tuesday through winter

Drivers can expect reduced speed limits and workers and equipment near the roadway on eastbound SH-152/Airport Rd. between Meridian Ave. and I-44 beginning Tuesday as work begins on a bridge rehabilitation project that continues through winter 2020. This project will significantly impact Will Rogers World Airport traffic beginning in mid-September, and drivers should begin planning an alternate route.