Construction Project Finish Ahead Of Schedule Due To Lower Traffic Volume During Coronavirus Pandemic

Constructions crews are now beating deadlines because of how many vehicles are on the road.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation said they are seeing 35% to 40% percent less traffic on Oklahoma's roadways.

Repairs along Interstate 40 at SE 15th Street were supposed to take 45 days.

ODOT said the repairs will done in less than 30 days.

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority told News 9 it is now looking to move up project start times during the pandemic.

“They are having conversation with contractors to take advantage of this and seeing if night work can be done during the day,” said ODOT spokeswoman Terri Angier.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma City is planning to do a full closure along Pennsylvania from SW 15th to SW 29th to speed up work on a drainage project.

“We wouldn’t normally be able to do that with increased traffic,” said Eric Wenger, Oklahoma City's public works director.

However, ODOT said less cars has meant more people are speeding.

It claims accidents and incidents on Oklahoma roadways haven't dropped with the traffic volume.

ODOT is using signage to tell drivers to slow down.

ODOT said other transportation departments are seeing more speeding drivers as well.