By Fox23.com News Staff
OKMULGEE, Okla. — The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will be improving the safety and quality of US-75 in Okmulgee.
“We have a project coming up in a couple years [that] we’re having a public involvement process for right now, and it’s on Highway 75 between Highway 62 and Highway 56 in Okmulgee,” said TJ Gerlach with ODOT. “Highway 56 is 6th Street heading west out of Okmulgee.”
The project will take place between US-62 and SH-56 and will focus on pedestrian access and drivability for Oklahomans in the area and those who use that road.
ODOT says the surface of the road is worn and the sidewalks are not accessible for all users. A typical day of traffic sees about 27,500 cars and ODOT says this number will increase to 39,300 by 2048.
“Basically, what the project is intended to do is just resurface and repave the highway itself,” said Gerlach. “It’s just deteriorating [and] it’s past its service life., so we want to make sure we rehabilitate the actual driving lanes themselves.”
ODOT proposed the driving lanes and shoulders of US-75 be reconstructed, sidewalks be added, a safe crosswalk for pedestrians be put under the railroad, and a signal for pedestrian crossing be placed at 13th Street.
“The project, since we’re just in the public involvement right now still finishing up the design, we’re looking at going into construction probably in 2028 and projects about this scale usually last approximately [one] year,” said Gerlach.
Drivers should expect delays in their commute as well as congested traffic. US-75 will be open during construction with at least one lane in each direction.
Home and business access will also be available. Construction is estimated to begin in 2028 but has not yet been finalized.
If you have any comments or questions over this product, ODOT asks that you either submit a Comment Form online, email Engage@odot.ok.gov, or call 405-325-3269.
To submit an online Comment Form, click here.
All comments must be received by the end of the business day on Monday, December 29.
