By Bailey Coyle, FOX23.com News Staff
OWASSO, Okla. — A major roadway improvement project is set to begin between 66th Street North and 86th Street North, bringing long-awaited congestion relief to commuters traveling in and out of Owasso.
According to T.J. Gerlach with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), the project will expand the current four-lane roadway to six lanes — increasing from two lanes in each direction to three lanes in each direction.
Median to Become New Travel Lanes
Rather than widening the roadway outward, crews will utilize the existing wide grass median to add the new lanes.
“We’re going to take up that grass median and pave it,” Gerlach explained. “We’ll also install a new median shoulder and a barrier wall.”
The addition of a concrete barrier wall is expected to improve safety by preventing crossover crashes, which can occur when vehicles cross into oncoming traffic.
What Drivers Can Expect
Beginning this week, drivers should anticipate nightly lane closures as contractors install barrier walls and traffic control devices. However, ODOT says the majority of the project will maintain two open lanes in each direction — the same number currently available.
While traffic capacity will remain consistent, motorists should be prepared for:
- Narrower lanes
- A reduced speed limit
- Shifting traffic patterns
- Increased signage in work zones
The initial phase will focus on reinforcing the outside shoulders so traffic can temporarily shift outward. This will create space in the median for construction. Traffic will be pushed toward inside lanes at first, then eventually moved outward as work progresses.
Officials stress that drivers should remain alert, follow posted signage, reduce speeds, and eliminate distractions while traveling through the work zone.
Long-Awaited Relief for Commuters
The corridor serves as a primary commuter route for residents of Owasso, Collinsville, and Oologah heading into Tulsa. Morning southbound and afternoon northbound traffic often experience heavy congestion.
The expansion aims to:
- Improve traffic flow into Owasso during evening peak hours
- Reduce morning southbound congestion
- Increase overall roadway efficiency
- Enhance safety with a new median barrier
“This is a long-sought project for the Owasso community,” Gerlach said.
Timeline and Cost
The project carries a $10.3 million price tag, funded primarily through the federal highway bill with additional state funds.
If weather and construction conditions cooperate, completion is expected by late summer — around Labor Day.
Future Expansion Plans
The current project represents just one phase of a broader, long-term plan. Once this widening effort is complete, ODOT plans to reconstruct the 86th Street bridges — similar to improvements made at 76th Street in recent years.
Ultimately, transportation officials aim to expand the corridor to six lanes all the way north to State Highway 20. However, due to funding availability, the full expansion could take approximately 10 years to complete.
For now, officials urge drivers to use caution in work zones and remain patient as improvements get underway.
“Our goal is to increase efficiency and improve safety,” Gerlach said. “We just want everyone to pay attention and make it home safely.”
