Building An Overpass At Highway 75 & 111th Street In Jenks

By Jeffrey Smith, The News On 6

JENKS, OK – Construction work is underway on a major construction project in Jenks. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is getting rid of a stoplight at U.S. Highway 75 and 111th Street. Engineers say that one light is responsible for rush-hour delays that can stretch for miles.

“This is as much a safety project as it is anything,” said Paul Green, an ODOT engineer.

Engineer Paul Green says the traffic light is out of place, as drivers cruise along at highway speeds.

“There's a lot of development around here, which really adds to the congestion and things. People trying to get in and out,” said Paul Green.

Contractors are building an overpass that will divert 111th Street traffic over Highway 75. 40,000 cars pass through that area every day. ODOT reports getting rid of the light will eliminate a major choking point for traffic.

“If you're here during rush hour traffic, I'm sure people who travel it every day will tell you, it is very needed. It backs up clear to the 121st Street intersection,” said Paul Green.

With more development popping up, drivers say congestion is a major problem.

“Well, it's getting to be pretty slow getting home during the rush hours, that's for sure. This project will help free up a lot of traffic, I think,” said Norm Wyatt, a driver.

The signs are up and equipment is being moved into place. The $12 million project should be finished by next November.

Paul Green says it’s long overdue.

“There's people coming on, on an on-ramp, and they're coming onto traffic that's stopped. And it gets to be a real safety issue,” said Paul Green.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation says lanes will not be closed during weekday rush hour traffic. In a few weeks, engineers will set up a temporary detour road just to the north so drivers can still use 111th Street.

11/8/2009  Related Story: Work To Begin On Removing Traffic Light At 75 And 111th Street