Construction Extends Gilcrease Expressway

Construction has begun on the next part of the Gilcrease Expressway - a 2.2-mile segment from the L.L. Tisdale Parkway to 41st West Avenue. This three-phase project will be built as a two-lane highway on a four-lane right of way, to allow for widening in the future. Today, weather permitting, Osage Drive will be closed to through traffic between Apache Street and 36th Street North.

A detour route will be posted utilizing Apache Street, the Tisdale Parkway and 36th Street North. This road closure will be in effect until completion of the project in May 2011. Access to area businesses will be maintained throughout the construction.

The first two phases of the project consist of grading, drainage – two large box culverts (bridges), two stormwater detention ponds near the bridges, a traffic signal at the Gilcrease Expressway and Tisdale Parkway, and paving on Osage Drive where it will intersect with the Gilcrease Expressway. Approximately ¾-mile of Osage Drive will be reconstructed on a new alignment.

The third phase, which will include paving the expressway between the Tisdale Parkway and 41st West Avenue, will be bid in 2011.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has entered into a $13,091,000 contract with Plains Bridge, Treas Construction and United General Contractors for this project. Completion of the first and second phases is scheduled for May 2011.

Project funding includes $2.6 million from the 2005 Bond Issue as a match for federal Surface Transportation Program funding for the remaining cost.