Work To Begin On Removing Traffic Light At 75 And 111th Street

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

JENKS, OK -- A much-anticipated construction project will begin Monday. Crews will begin work to eliminate the stoplight at U.S. Highway 75 and 111th Street. 

The stoplight is in the middle of a high-speed road. Drivers heading either way on U.S. Highway 75 often have to come to a sudden stop at 111th Street. The traffic light seems out of place, and soon it won't have a place there at all.

"Well, it's getting to be pretty slow getting home during the rush hours, that's for sure. This project will help free up a lot of traffic, I think," said Norm Wyatt, a driver.

Contractors will build an overpass that will divert 111th traffic over 75. It will cost $12 million and should be finished within a year.

When all is said and done, ODOT is hoping the overpass at 111th Street will help get rid of the traffic backups the intersection has become notorious for.

"We're really hoping that this improvement will go in, alleviate some of the congestion here, and make it safer for drivers," said Kenna Mitchell, ODOT Spokesperson.

ODOT says the need for an overpass has become more apparent as development continues to push south -- 40,000 cars pass through there every day. 

"Just given the volume of traffic that has increased down there, this is something that's very needed at this intersection," said Kenna Mitchell.

That's a sentiment shared by drivers, who will have to endure a year of construction before their commute will not involve any sudden stops.

ODOT says no lanes will be closed from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. During construction, a temporary detour road will be built so cars can still use 111th Street.