Westbound I-40/Crosstown opening set
For all of you who’ve been wondering, here’s the release from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. It’s time for an opening!
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The westbound Interstate 40 Crosstown traffic switch is planned for Sunday, Feb. 19, and brings about a big change for downtown area ramps including the Robinson Avenue and Hudson Avenue ramps.
For nearly 50 years, westbound I-40 Crosstown traffic has used Robinson Avenue as an exit and entrance to the Crosstown. Once traffic is switched to the new westbound I-40 lanes on Sunday, drivers will no longer be able to use the Robinson Avenue on-ramp as the Oklahoma Department of Transportation works to improve safety by eliminating weaving movements in the area. The Hudson Avenue on-ramp will also close permanently. The nearest on-ramps will be at Shields Boulevard and Western Avenue.
Those seeking access to I-40 from downtown or Bricktown events are encouraged to utilize Shields Avenue when leaving downtown. This is a convenient ramp for drivers and one that has added capacity.
The new westbound I-40 off-ramp to Robinson Avenue will serve as an excellent route for drivers going to the downtown and Bricktown areas. Also, the department worked hard to expedite the reopening of all four lanes of north- and southbound Robinson Avenue recently between SW 6 and SW 11 and that is now open.
“We’re hoping the advanced warning of upcoming changes with the downtown ramps will help drivers to plan their route changes and transition more easily,” Division Engineer Paul Green said.
Access points for the new westbound and eastbound I-40 Crosstown include:
New westbound I-40
· on-ramp from Shields Boulevard.
· off-ramp to Robinson Avenue.
· on and off-ramps at Western Avenue.
· off-ramp to Pennsylvania Avenue.
· off-ramp to Agnew Avenue.
New eastbound I-40
· off-ramp to Agnew Avenue.
· on and off-ramps at Pennsylvania Avenue.
· on and off-ramps at Western Avenue.
· on and off-ramps at Shields Boulevard.
For a map of the new I-40 Crosstown ramps and a detailed interactive route map, visit www.odot.org/newsmedia/i40-okc/index.php
Additional ramps will be available as construction progresses over the next two years. The flow of traffic on the new interstate will not be at its peak until construction is completely finished by 2014. The downtown roadway, commonly referred to by the City of Oklahoma City as the “Boulevard” will eventually serve as key access to the downtown area once it is completed.
Sunday’s traffic switch brings about a benchmark of progress for the I-40 Crosstown project. It is extremely important to realize however, there is a considerable amount of work ahead still with mainline I-40 as well as all of the downtown reconnections. Drivers are urged to remain alert to construction signs and slow down on the new interstate route as construction in the corridor continues. Drivers should remain flexible and allow extra time locating new routes.
As mentioned previously, transportation officials warned that while work on the new alignment had minimal impacts to traffic until now, construction is now near the downtown area and therefore, impacting traffic.
Daily closures will be noted in the Traffic Advisories section of www.okladot.state.ok.us.
In preparation of Sunday’s traffic switch …
Beginning Sunday, the existing westbound I-40 traffic will be narrowed to one lane between I-35 (Dallas Junction) and I-44 (Amarillo Junction) from 6 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or earlier if the transition is complete on the new highway. Also, starting at 6 a.m. all westbound I-40 on-ramps to the exiting Crosstown will be closed permanently in order to shift westbound I-40 traffic to the new I-40 Crosstown alignment. Motorists are strongly encouraged to avoid the area and use I-44 or I-240 to bypass the Crosstown during that time.
Because all on-ramps to the existing westbound I-40 Crosstown close permanently at 6 a.m. Sunday, motorists are advised to use I-235, Sheridan Avenue and other local roads to access the downtown area during that time, if needed.
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