ODOT Promotes Deputy Director

Oklahoma's Department of Transportation has named a new director.

Deputy Director and CFO Mike Patterson will take over from the retiring Gary Ridley.

Ridley will remain on Governor Mary Fallin's Cabinet as Transportation Secretary.

"I am delighted with the selection of Mike Patterson as director and thank the commission for their hard work," Fallin said." The department has great leadership and this will be a smooth transition."

ODOT also announced plans for its next bridge project. Construction on the eastbound Interstate 244 bridge over the Arkansas River should start this summer. In the meantime, traffic in both directions will share the brand new westbound double decker bridge.

The $41 million project will take a year and a half to finish.

12/19/2012 Related Story: New I-244 Bridge Over Arkansas River Opens