Crews work to bring light back to Broken Arrow Expressway

Good news for drivers who frequent the Broken Arrow Expressway in Tulsa.

City officials have confirmed work has begun to restore the lighting on the highway.

So far, lane closures have not been necessary, but starting tomorrow, that will change. KRMG's told an inside lane will be closed between South Columbia Avenue and South Sheridan Road starting at 9 a.m.

Expected work schedule:

• Friday, Dec. 15, at 9:01 a.m., through Monday, Dec. 18, at 5:59 a.m. for westbound work.
• Friday, Jan. 5, at 7:01 p.m., through Monday, Jan. 8, at 2:59 p.m., for eastbound work.
• Friday, Jan. 12, at 7:01 p.m., through Monday, Jan. 15, at 5:59 a.m., if needed.

The city has also released a statement about the repairs.

“The highway lights have been inoperable since vandals stole the copper wiring that carries the electricity to the lights. Over the past two years, about 34 miles of copper has been stolen from highway lights citywide, including on the Broken Arrow Expressway. To deter thieves, crews have replaced the copper wires with aluminum and put stickers on each pole stating – in English and Spanish – “We use aluminum.” Through the efforts of both City Traffic Operations workers and contractor crews, 85 percent of this damaged lighting has been repaired, completing Phase I of the citywide project to restore highway lighting. Phase II of the project includes the Broken Arrow Expressway and the Inner Dispersal Loop (highways encircling downtown). Phase II is scheduled for completion in late 2018.”