If you’ve driven lately on State Highway 9 just east of U.S. Highway 62, you may have noticed that in some stretches it’s a rough ride and its accompanied by a loud road noise. That’s about to change.
A pavement resurfacing project was approved by the Oklahoma Transportation Commission during their Monday, April 3 meeting which will improve conditions on SH-9 between the US-62 junction and U.S. Interstate 35 in McClain County. As those who drive the road know, this route connects Newcastle’s south side to Norman.
An ODOT spokesperson said the project will extend the life of the pavement and will significantly improve drivability and safety. It also will lessen the number of lane closures in the next few years necessary for maintenance repairs, improving safety for motorists and workers.
Silver Star Construction Company, Inc. of Moore bid $2,183,316.44 and was awarded the low bid among four bidders, just edging out the next closest bid of $2,212,200.05 by Ellsworth Construction, LLC.
The resurfacing project is from .073 miles east of the SH-62 junction extending east near Newcastle for a length of 4.01 miles.
Work is expected to begin in summer 2023 with anticipated completion of 35 days, weather permitting, states ODOT. SH-9 will be narrowed to one lane in each direction at a time for the duration of the project.
Motorists are advised to plan extra travel time in this area and to expect congestion and delays through the work zone. The spokesperson said SH-9 has an estimated traffic of 19,000 vehicles on average per day with nine percent of that being truck traffic.
