From Staff Reports
Work to reconstruct Oklahoma Avenue in Okarche is nearing completion.
Motorists are still urged to slow down in the construction zone. Intermittent lane closures are expected. Lanes were open in both east and west directions this week.
The federally-funded, $1,882,692 project includes the makeover of the intersection of U.S. 81 and Oklahoma Avenue. New traffic signal lights and street signs have been installed.
The street lights and traffic signal poles are made in a territorial style.
The avenue makeover is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act by providing wheelchair ramps, a project spokesman said.
Oklahoma Department of Transportation spokeswoman Lisa Shearer-Salim said the project is wrapping up, and final work is continuing through December.
Travel lanes are open, but there will be some limited, intermittent lane closures when striping is put into place, which includes crosswalk striping, Shearer-Salim said. Stripping may start next week, weather permitting.
The contractor also continues to finish a few more sidewalk ramps and handrails.
The work that started in May has taken about six months to complete, an Oklahoma Department of Transportation spokesman said.
The project is 80% federally funded and 20% locally. The project has improved the street from U.S. 81 east to the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.
Shawna Farmen of Chickasha was one of the workers putting finishing touches on the street pavement this week. She sealed cracks as cooler weather settled in early in the week. Skies remained sunny as work progressed Monday and Tuesday. But cold, snowy weather is expected Thursday.
