Endangered gray bats delay Highway 59 expansion project in Delaware County

KTUL by Ian Nikkel

August 3, 2026

DELAWARE COUNTY, Okla. — A major highway improvement project in northeast Oklahoma between Grove and Jay is finally moving forward after construction was temporarily delayed to protect an endangered species.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) says crews are beginning work this week on a Highway 59 widening project between Jay and Grove after waiting for the endangered gray bat's nesting and mating season to end.

ODOT knew gray bats lived near the project before construction began. Environmental studies identified potential nesting areas, and federal protections required crews to stay at least 300 feet away from bridges, culverts and other structures where bats could be nesting.

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