A widening project to improve traffic flow on the I-44 corridor at 193rd E. Ave. is now two years ahead of schedule. Today the Cherokee Nation announced it is providing more than $11 million in right-of-way and funding donations to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. These contributions will help advance the I-44/193rd E. Ave widening project from 2011 to 2009.

“We’ve been working for many years in partnership with ODOT to reach this point. As far back as 2003, we have worked collectively to lobby Congress for transportation dollars for Oklahoma, and we were able to contribute more than $4 million in 2006 to help repair or even replace bridges in the state,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “These efforts and today’s contribution of more than $7 million are crucial to expediting the widening project for the economic development and safety of the community.”

The project will widen I-44 from four lanes to eight at this intersection, and widen 193rd E. Ave. between Cherokee Street and Admiral to six thru lanes with auxiliary lanes. A functionally obsolete bridge on westbound I-44 and a structurally deficient bridge on eastbound I-44 will also be replaced at this location. New entrance/exit ramps will also be constructed, including a protected turnaround for westbound SH-66 to eastbound I-44.

“The I-44 at 193rd E. Ave. project is a high priority for ODOT, and we are very pleased to partner with a group as proactive as the Cherokee Nation to help advance it," Oklahoma Department of Transportation Director Gary Ridley said. “Through the effort of the Cherokee Nation we will be able to begin the project earlier in order to relieve congestion and improve safety at this interchange in a more timely manner.”

The average daily traffic counts for this intersection are 68,100 vehicles on I-44, and 14,000 vehicles on 193rd E. Ave. The project is now scheduled for a summer 2009 bid.