I-35 continues to be closed in Arbuckles
Ponca City Now - June 19, 2015 11:05 am
ODOT contractors work around the clock to restore I-35 traffic in the Arbuckles by Monday
Northbound I-35 is still closed just south of US-77/Turner Falls (mm 51) in Murray County due to a rock slide caused by heavy rains yesterday. While ODOT officials continue to look for solutions to stabilize the area at the Arbuckle Mountains on northbound I-35, their focus today remains on reopening northbound I-35 traffic as soon as possible.
Overland Corporation has started construction on a crossover that will move northbound traffic onto the southbound lanes for one lane in each direction for about half a mile. Construction started earlier today and is expected to continue through Sunday. Crews plan to work around the clock including nights until the crossovers are completed. While traffic is one lane in each direction the speed limit will be reduced to 50 mph.
This emergency contract is expected to cost approximately $550,000 including incentives and disincentives to finish the crossovers as quickly as possible. Once the crossovers are completed and opened, traffic should expect delays for the upcoming weeks while repairs are made to the northbound side of the interstate.
Drivers and truck traffic wishing to avoid the area can use US-81 to the west or US-69 to the east of the state. When the plans for stabilizing the rock face on the northbound side of the interstate are determined updates will be issued.