The project is a key component of Oklahoma's $5 billion highway widening project to replace the 70-year-old I-44/Turner Turnpike Bridge, which spans historic Route 66 highway. Currently, this section of the road carries 31,000 vehicles daily, and this number is expected to surge to more than 55,000 vehicles by 2053, underscoring the urgency of the widening project.

The bridge replacement work across Route 66 is expected to be completed by the summer of 2025. The Interstate 44/Turner Turnpike route will be expanded to six lanes, covering a 144-kilometer stretch between Oklahoma City and Tulsa. This project, jointly undertaken by the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, reflects the government's high priority on improving transportation infrastructure.

As a key part of ACCESS Oklahoma's long-term plan, the bridge project was awarded to Tulsa-based Sherwood Construction in September 2023. To keep traffic flowing during construction, the company will ensure that I-44/Turner Turnpike remains open to at least two lanes of traffic in each direction during the bridge replacement.

During the peak of construction, summer turnpike traffic will be directed to a temporary detour that will cross SH-66 at grade. To this end, SH-66 will be temporarily closed between US-177 and SH-102 for an estimated period of one year. At the same time, the project will also construct a new westbound I-44/Turner Turnpike off-ramp, moving its location westward.

For motorists, while SH-66's entrance and exit ramps will remain open for most of the project, those ramps may undergo narrowing adjustments at some point. In addition, the construction of SH-66 will fully consider the future need for four-lane widening and add pedestrian facilities under the new bridge to improve road safety and convenience.

Local motorists who need to access SH-66 between US-177 and SH-102 will follow a set detour route. Motorists exiting the I-44/Turner Turnpike will be directed to the detour route from US-177 to US-62 to SH-102 to SH-66. It is worth mentioning that the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is investing more than $100 million in the SH-66 highway corridor between Edmond and Wellston to further improve transportation in the area.

In addition, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation will provide $7.5 million in financial support to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's projects in Wellston as a result of construction work on SH-66. This initiative not only demonstrates the close cooperation between government departments, but also highlights the joint commitment to improving transportation infrastructure.

As one of the most famous roads in the United States, Route 66 has witnessed countless historical moments and cultural heritage. The implementation of this bridge replacement and highway widening project is not only a tribute to this historical heritage, but also a profound layout for future transportation development. The project is expected to be successfully completed before the Route 66 centennial celebration in 2026, when Oklahoma’s transportation status will usher in a new milestone.Editor/Cheng Liting