ODOT Wants New Testing Lab

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State Department of Transportation officials say a bigger, better laboratory is needed for testing materials used in building highways and bridges.

ODOT also wants to build a new building to hold its records with the total cost of the two projects about $30 million.

ODOT Director of Administration says the current lab is in the department's basement and needs to be in a more modern setting.

Everything ODOT uses in construction is tested, ranging from the way paint ages to the strength of concrete.

Editor's note: As part of a May 2007 story, Watch as News On 6's anchor Terry Hood toured the ODOT lab in Oklahoma City.

• ODOT Engineer Explains Aggregate Rock test.
• ODOT Engineer Explains Aggregate Durability.

Two bills have been filed for the coming legislative session calling for $30.3 million in bonds to pay for the buildings.