Highway construction projects continue with $113 million in new contracts

OK Energy Today August 6, 2026

Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s August meeting include a plea for driver attention behind the wheel, participation in a national campaign that seeks to reduce bridge hits by over-height vehicles and authorization for a pavement rehabilitation project on US-69 near Pryor and the continuation of a project to widen I-35, with the latest work to be completed near Goldsby.

As Oklahoma students head back to school and construction activity continues across the state, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is reminding drivers that the decisions they make behind the wheel can have life-changing consequences for everyone on the road.

During Monday’s Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting, ODOT Chief Engineer TJ Dill emphasized the importance of eliminating distractions while driving, particularly in work zones where highway workers are counting on drivers to pay attention and give them the space and respect they deserve. Joining in support of this important public safety issue to increase awareness were Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Executive Director Joe Echelle and Department of Public Safety Major Preston Lay and Lt. Mark Southall. Commissioners, media and meeting attendees were invited to tour a simulated work zone in front of the building to see the many ways the agency attempts to get driver attention in work zones, including a new high-visibility digital message board mounted to a truck. View the full article: OKEnergyToday.com