Contracts Awarded for major I-35 improvements in Norman

OKLAHOMA CITY – Two contracts were awarded recently for major I-35 improvements in Norman, Sen. Rob Standridge and Rep. Scott Martin announced.

According to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, the first project will involve completely reconstructing the I-35 interchange at Main Street by removing the ramps and replacing the Main Street Bridge.  The bridge will be replaced with a Single Point Urban Interchange (SPUI), which will include longer on and off-ramps and a wider Main Street Bridge.  The second of its kind in the state, the SPUI will allow large volumes of traffic to negotiate the area by using a single set of traffic signals at the top of the bridge.  

The project will also make improvements to I-35 by widening the highway to six lanes beginning half a mile north of Main Street to half a mile south of Main Street.  

Sen. Standridge (R-Norman) said the State Transportation Commission awarded a nearly $34.9 million contract on the project to Allen Contracting and Manhattan Road & Bridge who will be joining together to complete the project. The Oklahoma City companies were the lowest of three bidders for the job.  Financial incentives have been placed in the contract for early completion. 

“This project is the next critical phase of the I-35 reconstruction and expansion in Norman.  The overall I-35 project has progressed well and I expect the same for this portion,” said Standridge, R-Norman.  “The I-35 and Main Street interchange serves as an integral part of Norman’s transportation system, so this is a key component of the project.  This new interchange design will mark a milestone in our community being only the second such design in the state.  The work will take some time, but I’m confident the result will be worth the wait.”

Construction will begin in early January and the project is estimated to be completed within a year and a half.

According to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, the second project will involve adding one lane in each direction to the I-35 bridge over the South Canadian River as well as make necessary structural improvements.  

“These changes are going to greatly improve the flow and safety of traffic on both sides of I-35 and the Main Street Bridge.  Both of these projects are vital to our community and will serve as a fitting gateway to the metro area” said Martin, R-Norman.  “The success of these projects is due to the vision of many and will be celebrated by the entire community once complete.  The improvements will not only add to greater drivability for our citizens but also provide a critical link to our business community.  These improvements will meet our needs today and for years to come.”  

Rep. Martin said the State Transportation Commission awarded a nearly $16 million contract on the project to Sherwood Construction Company. The Catoosa company was the lowest of three bidders for the job.  A financial incentive was also placed in this contract for early completion.  Construction on this project will begin in early January and is estimated to be completed within ten months.