By Robert Medley
Managing Editor
Traffic is moving in the westbound lane, but eastbound traffic is detoured in Okarche as a downtown street improvement project continues.
The work is expected to wrap up by November.
Workers are building the street and sidewalk of Oklahoma Avenue, and motorists are reminded to slow down.
The speed limit remains 10 mph in Okarche’s Oklahoma Avenue, the Canadian and Kingfisher counties line.
The federally-funded, $1,882,692 project will rebuild Oklahoma Avenue from U.S. 81 to W. Railroad Avenue.
The 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 Oklahoma Department of Transportation 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.
