Major Construction Project Begins On The IDL In Downtown Tulsa

A major construction project is expected to start on the loop around downtown Tulsa on Monday. 

The $26 million resurfacing project, happening on the east leg of the IDL, is expected to significantly impact traffic, especially during rush hour.

According to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, the project will start on the southbound lanes of the east leg of the IDL along Highway 75. Those lanes are expected to be closed until further notice.

ODOT says the east leg of the loop will be getting all new pavement, barriers and lighting. Archer Street along with the 8th street and 11th street bridges will also be getting work done.

According to ODOT, there will be several ramp closures and traffic will be detoured to other legs of the IDL.

The entire project is expected to be finished by early 2023. ODOT said the project will be long, but it will be worth it once everything is complete.

"It's going to be a long closure just like the other two legs we've done already was, but I think everybody can agree that the pavement in that area is much in need of replacement," said T.J. Gerlach from ODOT. 

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead or find an alternate route to use while the project is underway.

A list of the various ramp closures included as part of the first phase can be found below:

1. Westbound I-244 to southbound US-75
2. Eastbound I-244 to southbound US-75
3. Southbound US-75 to eastbound I-244/US-412
4. Southbound US-75 to eastbound SH-51/US-64/Broken Arrow Expressway
5. Southbound US-75 to westbound SH-51/US-64
6. 8th St. on-ramp to southbound US-75/westbound US-64/SH-51 and eastbound US-64/SH-51/Broken Arrow Expressway
7. 7th St. off-ramp from southbound US-75.
8. 1st St. off-ramp from southbound US-75/westbound I-244/Admiral Blvd.