From Staff Reports
Work to reconstruct Oklahoma Avenue in Okarche is continuing.
Motorists are urged to slow down in the construction zone. Intermittent lane closures are expected.
The federally-funded, $1,882,692 project will rebuild the intersection of U.S. 81 and Oklahoma Avenue.
The avenue makeover will be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act by providing wheelchair ramps, a project spokesman said.
The work that started in May will take about six months to complete, an Oklahoma Department of Transportation spokesman said.
The project is 80% federally funded and 20% locally.
The project will improve the street from U.S. 81 east to the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.
ODOT reports there will be modifications to the east side of the U.S. 81 and Oklahoma Avenue intersection to connect to the current project. Lanes will be closed as the new traffic lights are installed.
“The department recognizes that this project is disruptive to traffic and foot traffic on Oklahoma Ave. and we appreciate everyone’s patience as this project progresses,” ODOT spokeswoman Lisa Shearer-Salim reports.
New concrete and decorative stone will be used to spruce up the looks of downtown.
The town of Okarche, and Kingfisher and Canadian counties have also contributed to the project cost.
The speed limit has been reduced to 10 mph through the construction zone.
