More Message Boards To Be Installed On Tulsa Highways

Emory Bryan, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is adding more of those overhead message boards to roads in Tulsa.

The signs are one of the few ways that state officials can quickly spread a message that most drivers will see.

They are used to relay construction updates, severe weather reports and the occasional Amber Alert.

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But for the most part, they're dark. ODOT says it avoids constant messages so drivers will be sure to notice important messages.

The state plans to install new signs at several locations, including on Memorial, in both directions, to relay information about I-44.

Most of the 7 new signs will be along the I-44 corridor all through Tulsa. There will also be new signs on Highway 75 at 81st Street and on the Creek Turnpike.

They'll join in with 18 other signs ODOT has statewide and a camera system that monitors the flow of traffic.

The expansion of the message board program is a priority for ODOT and the cost is being reimbursed by the federal government. Just the planning and design work for the signs in Tulsa and Oklahoma City will cost almost $1 million.

Tulsa will get seven more signs, Oklahoma City will five new ones.

The new message boards are coordinated between ODOT and the Turnpike Authority and are capable of displaying a statewide or individualized message.