I-40 SHUTDOWN IN OKLAHOMA CITY THIS WEEKEND: HOW IT IMPACTS YOU

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation plans to shutdown I-40 between the Fort Smith Junction in Oklahoma City, and where the interstate reconnects with I-240 east of Midwest City.

The two-year project is one of the largest projects in state history, according to ODOT.

ODOT spokesperson Leslie Salim said they are reconstructing I-40 to help with the flow of traffic.

Those most likely to be impacted this weekend are the travelers to Tinker Air Force Base and freight travelers, but Salim said there hoping to open the closure up earlier than Monday

ODOT crews will work from 7 p.m. starting Friday night through Monday morning. Salim said the project will help decrease congestion on the road in the future, and allow for less conflicts.

This weekend’s closure is because crews will begin to remove the Eagle Bridge along I-40. Salim said this bridge is outdated, and has been closed to traffic for several years.

To complete widening of I-40, crews will begin demolishing the bridge.

“They are literally going to cut the bridge on each end, lift it with a crane on a self-propelled motor transport and roll it off of the interstate to be demolished out of the work zone,” Salim said.