Work on a major resurfacing project on the Broken Arrow Freeway will be done before Christmas, ODOT says.
Work to resurface the Broken Arrow Expressway between Lewis and downtown began in January, and ODOT says the project is on schedule.
For the thousands of drivers who take this road every day, it’s been a year full of congestion and slowdowns on the BA.
“We lived here for 39 years, right around the corner from BA,” said Mark LeMieux.
LeMieux says the construction noise has been annoying.
“Hear that beep, beep, beep, the back alarms will just drive you crazy, but if they’re getting ready to finish, I’m a happy camper,” LeMieux said.
ODOT says all the chaotic construction had been delayed.
“That area of the Broken Arrow Expressway was really broken, it was definitely past its useful life and it definitely needed the new refresh,” spokesman TJ Gerlach said.
He says the newly repaved stretch of freeway has the same number of lanes, but is now much smoother and is also safer.
“It had a sock half with no barrier wall, so that’s the biggest change people will see along with the new pavement,” Gerlach said.
Crews will spend the rest of the week painting lines on the west side before it reopens, giving drivers and people who live nearby a break from construction.
“I’m just glad to have the quiet neighborhood, that’s all. All these dump trucks and jackhammers and cranes and backhoes and all that. It’s nice to have some peace and quiet for a change. Looking forward to it.” Mark LeMieux said.
ODOT says that in the coming weeks, there could be some lane changes and temporary closures as crews put the finishing touches on this project.
