Tulsa Co., Cherokee Nation Team Up For Construction Project

By Craig Day, The News On 6

TULSA COUNTY -- A partnership between Tulsa County and the Cherokee Nation will mean a smoother ride for many drivers in the northern part of Tulsa County.

Resurfacing work is underway and will soon be finished on a stretch of 186th Street North, west of U.S. Highway 75. It's a project that has been on a waiting list for several years.

"I figure this road will be good for 15, 20 years," said Gary Baker, Tulsa County.

The road had deteriorated from weather and wear and tear. It has been 15 years since any major work was done. It likely would have been a lot longer if not for the partnership between the county and the Cherokee Nation.

"It's wore out and it's time to fix it and with the Cherokee's help, we're going to fix it," said Gary Baker.

The tribe paid for the $250,000 in materials and the county is providing the labor and equipment. 

Considering the district's budget for materials is just $300,000 dollars for the entire year, without help, the work wouldn't have happened anytime soon.

The asphalt overlay project will not only benefit drivers from Tulsa County who use the road, but also drivers from Washington County.

One of those drivers is Doug Blankenship, who drives down the road every day.

"Several potholes that if you didn't watch it, you'd get a flat tire or ruin a rim," said Doug Blankenship.

In addition to new asphalt, the road is also being widened from 22 feet to 24 feet, which adds up to a safer and smoother ride. It’s a ride Blankenship is looking forward to.

Money for the project comes from the sale of Cherokee Nation car tags.