Oklahoma approves $7.3 billion highway plan as rising costs delay projects
The eight-year plan covers 1,229 highway and bridge projects, but inflation and funding constraints are pushing some improvements beyond 2034.
OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — Oklahoma transportation officials approved an eight-year construction plan covering 1,229 highway and bridge projects valued at more than $7.3 billion, while warning that inflation and funding constraints are pushing some improvements beyond the plan’s timeline.
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission approved the 2027–2034 plan Oct. 5. It includes improvements to 596 miles of rural two-lane highways, work on 2,980 lane-miles of pavement, and repairs or replacements for 188 at-risk bridges and 10 structurally deficient bridges.
ODOT said transportation departments nationwide experienced nearly 18 years’ worth of inflation since 2020. Projects pushed beyond the eight-year window remain priorities, with development continuing as funding becomes available.
“It is increasingly important that we continue to examine sustainable, reliable and scalable state and federal funding sources in order to maintain Oklahoma’s transportation infrastructure,” said Transportation Secretary and ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz.
Major projects include widening U.S. 259 between Broken Bow and Hochatown, widening I-35 between the Red River and Springer, and additional improvements to the I-35/I-240 interchange in Oklahoma City.
A separate four-year preservation plan presented Monday includes 287 projects totaling $520 million to extend the life of existing roads and bridges.
