I-40 Crosstown

Big change in store for downtown ramps as westbound I-40 Crosstown traffic is switched Sunday 2-19-2012

The westbound I-40 Crosstown traffic switch is planned for Sunday, Feb. 19 and brings about a big change for downtown area ramps including the Robinson Ave. and Hudson Ave. ramps. Drivers wishing to access I-40 from downtown or Bricktown events are encouraged to use Shields Ave. when leaving downtown. The new westbound I-40 off-ramp to Robinson Ave. will serve as an excellent route for drivers going to the downtown and Bricktown areas.

Beginning Sunday, the existing westbound I-40 traffic will be narrowed to one lane between I-35 (Dallas Jct.) and I-44 (Amarillo Jct.) from 6 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or earlier if the transition is complete on the new highway. Also, starting at 6 a.m. all westbound I-40 on-ramps to the existing Crosstown will be closed permanently in order to shift westbound I-40 traffic to the new I-40 Crosstown alignment. Motorists are strongly encouraged to avoid the area and use I-44 or I-240 to bypass the Crosstown during that time.

Because all on-ramps to the existing westbound I-40 Crosstown close permanently at 6 a.m. Sunday, motorists are advised to use I-235, Sheridan Ave. and other local roads to access the downtown area during that time, if needed.

Project Overview

Oklahoma’s three major interstates converge near downtown Oklahoma City with I-35 and I-44 intersecting I-40 at either end of a four-mile stretch known as the Crosstown. The original Crosstown was built about five blocks north of I-40’s new alignment through downtown Oklahoma City. To move the highway, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation embarked on one of its largest projects since the interstate system was completed in the 1970s.

Completed in 1966, the original three-lane I-40 Crosstown was designed to carry up to 76,000 vehicles daily. By 2005 when ground was broken for the new highway, it routinely carried as many as 125,000 vehicles each day.

The new $670 million I-40 Crosstown is designed to carry 173,000 vehicles daily on five lanes in each direction. A planned multi-lane boulevard offering a connection to downtown Oklahoma City will further increase traffic capacity in the area.

Aesthetics in the project include the SkyDance pedestrian bridge near Robinson Ave. as well as design details on other bridges. Elements have been incorporated into retaining and screen walls that complement architectural aspects of the nearby Little Flower Church.