At the Department of Transportation we are helping to secure America's future by upgrading our nation's transportation infrastructure to support economic growth. And I can't help thinking about one such upgrade that was scheduled to be realized this year--only to be completed a stunning 10 months ahead of schedule!
The I-40 reconstruction project in Oklahoma between Yukon and El Reno was completed in early December 2010. The $60 million project covered nearly seven miles and included roadway reconstruction, resurfacing, safety improvements and reconstruction of three bridges. That's a lot of work.
And work that was important to the people of Oklahoma, too. An average of 39,000 vehicles travel this section of I-40 daily, and more than 28 percent of that traffic is commercial trucks.
Prior to the upgrade, this section of I-40 was identified as one of the worst interstate pavements in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area and repairing it was recognized as a critical need by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. The stretch of highway had even been singled out by Parade Magazine as one of "The Worst Roads in America."
But it took a grant of nearly $30 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to get the project moving.
In June 2009, work began. Originally scheduled to take nearly two and a half year to complete, it wrapped up in just more than a year and a half. I think that's a remarkable achievement, and I congratulate the contractors, the Oklahoma DOT, and--most importantly--the workers who made it happen.
Thus far, Oklahoma has been able to translate its Recovery Act investments into more than 2.8 million hours of good work on stimulus projects. And at the same time, the ability of Oklahoma businesses to transport goods has been improved.
Good jobs and a better network for moving American goods--that's how building a 21st century transportation system helps us win the future.
When will the Ford Freestar be recalled? It has been two years now. Recall this vehicle before someone is killed. Also, I would appreciate an answer to my letters.
Posted by: Nadine Burroughs | February 07, 2011 at 05:10 PM
And if it prevents one accident and saves a life it was worth it.
Posted by: BMorrison | February 07, 2011 at 06:07 PM
It's hard to believe how ridiculous prices for work like this has gotten! 28 lane miles of paving and 3 bridges reconstructed for only $60 million? If it was being bid and done for private industry instead of the government it would have cost no more than 50% of that. Governments need to look at how they handle projects like this.
Posted by: Mark | February 07, 2011 at 06:39 PM
Secretary LaHood,
I was heavily involved with the construction of this project on the contractors side. Our folks worked very hard in making this project a success. Thank you for your comments and our folks really enjoyed your post.
Posted by: Mike Lipps | February 08, 2011 at 06:25 PM
It's rare to see a project get done at all these days with all the red tape involved let alone getting it done ahead of schedule. I had driven on the I-40 many times before it was repaired, it definitely needed it. Kudos to all of you for having such a good work ethic.
Posted by: Dennis | March 25, 2011 at 12:50 AM
Congrats for the authorities!
Posted by: Jones Ford | January 18, 2012 at 02:55 PM
What an expensive project. After reading this article I am shocked at how much work and money is needed to pave a road.
Posted by: JBisnar | March 22, 2012 at 01:34 PM
Project success! Big Gov paved the way.
Posted by: Debbie | July 30, 2012 at 10:44 PM