Additional Money May Speed Work On I-44

Straightening out Dysfunction Junction is on the agenda.  A multi-million dollar announcement on Tuesday could help ease a major traffic headache for thousands of commuters.  The News On 6's Ashli Sims reports the plan is coming from the business often blamed for the congestion, near I-44 in Catoosa.

Widening I-44 and the 193rd East Avenue intersection has been on the state's to-do list for years.  Now, the Cherokee Nation says it will ante-up millions to kick the project into high gear.

Many commuters say there are just too many cars and not enough intersection or interstate to handle them all.

"I try not to drive through here if I can help it. But, it's the way to Tulsa and that's where I work," said Ken Secor of Catoosa.

Long-time Catoosa Resident Sandra Hanning traces the congestion back to a single source.

"Well, everybody knows why it's bad:  the casino traffic," said Sandra Hanning.

The Cherokee Nation says, for their part, they've donated $10 million to the state in recent months for various highway projects.  But, it's really the state's responsibility.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has a $40 million plan to help fix what's become known as Dysfunction Junction.  And, they're already clearing land to make room for two more lanes and new exit and entrance ramps.

Now, the Cherokees are announcing a multi-million dollar contribution on Tuesday to speed up the widening project by two years.

"They've got the money to do the road work. And, Catoosa is just a small town. They need all the help that they could get," said Sandra Hanning.

The Cherokee Nation and ODOT are teaming up for a news conference in Catoosa on Tuesday to announce more details.

They did tell The News On 6 that the work on I-44 in Catoosa was supposed to start in 2011.  But, the new dollars should move that date up.