Inner Dispersal Loop Rebuilding Project Begins

The single-largest project ever awarded in the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s history started June 2009. This $75 million stimulus-funded project will rebuild the north and west legs of Tulsa’s Inner Dispersal Loop (includes portions of I-244, US-412, US-64 and SH-51), replace the decks on 44 bridges on the north and west legs, and will repair the surface on portions of the east and south legs.

First Phase of Project

The first phase of this project will be the surface repairs along the east and south legs of the IDL, which include portions of I-444, US-75, US-64 and SH-51. These repairs are being made first, as the east and south legs will be the main detour routes during the reconstruction of the north and west legs. The first phase is expected to be complete in mid-July.

Second and Third Phases of Project

The second phase will close all westbound lanes of the north leg and close all southbound lanes of the west leg. The third phase will close all eastbound lanes of the north leg and all northbound lanes of the west leg. The overall project is scheduled for completion in early 2011, and incentives are in place to expedite the work.

Staying Informed

The IDL is a vital traffic corridor surrounding downtown Tulsa, carrying an estimated 62,000 vehicles each day. Real-time work zone information will be posted on 38 message boards which will be located both on and near the IDL, and 21 traffic sensors will be set up to trigger immediate messages about traffic delays or stops. Drivers will also be directed to use the east and south legs of the IDL as detour routes during the second and third phases, and should allow extra time for travel during the entire project.

Lane closures will be noted on ODOT’s daily traffic advisories for Tulsa which can be found on www.okladot.state.ok.us/newsmedia/traffax/tulsa. In addition, before heading out in traffic, drivers can visually check the current travel conditions of their route by visiting the web site’s front page and clicking Public Access Webcams.