Kilpatrick Construction End Goal: Mid-August

A widening project along the Kilpatrick Turnpike was originally expected to be over by May of 2013. Now, OTA says it is just weeks away. Officials hope to be finished by mid-August.

Tuesday, July 9th 2013, 10:12 pm

By: News 9


The end is near for construction along one of Oklahoma's most well-traveled highways, according an official with the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.

A widening project along the Kilpatrick Turnpike was originally expected to be over by May of 2013. Now, OTA says it is just weeks away. Officials hope to be finished by mid-August.

"[The construction] keeps changing," one driver said. "You just have to be aware of what's going on. It's been a very long, long process."

It's been a process that was originally a 12-month deal starting in May of 2012. OTA says construction is still taking place on auxiliary lanes between May and Pennsylvania Avenues. The lanes, which allow more time to merge, were not originally part of the expansion plan.

"This will hopefully prevent some of that weaving action and make it a big safety improvement for those trying to get on the turnpike," Jack Damrill with OTA said.

The entire project west of Broadway Extension to and east of Council Road is mainly focused on adding one lane in each direction. Damrill says the widening keeps drivers safe, while some drivers say the whole project is unnecessary.

"I didn't know why they needed to widen it in the first place, it seemed fine to me," OTA customer Jill Willhoite said.

OTA says it is possible for lanes between Portland and May Avenues to open within the next two weeks.

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