Unsafe at any speed

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Department of Transportation Division 7, which includes Caddo, Grady, Comanche, Cotton, Stephens, Jefferson, Murray, Carter, and Love counties, has identified the twenty-five most dangerous highways in that district.

Number nine on the list of the twenty-five most dangerous highways is State Highway 53 in Carter County between Fox and Interstate 35.  In seven years, there have been 56 accidents on this stretch of SH-53.

The most dangerous section of SH-53 is a ten mile section between Caddo Creek and Henry House Creek.  This section is very dangerous because of the elevated road bed and the lack of shoulders.

Within the past few months, there have been three tanker truck rollover accidents on SH-53.

Sen. Frank Simpson said he has received several calls and messages from residents along SH-53 voicing concern about the safety of the highway.

Simpson recently met with Bob Rose, the Division 7 engineer, to discuss the condition of the highway.

 “I met with Mr. Rose and shared my concerns and the concerns of many of the citizens who live along Highway 53.  Mr. Rose told me that ODOT has already begun addressing the problems and he agreed to conduct a public meeting to share information on the planned improvements,” said Simpson, R-Ardmore.

Proposed work includes reconstruction of the roadbed and the addition of paved shoulders.  Necessary improvements will be made to the bridges and drainage systems along this stretch of road as well.

The purpose of the project is to improve safety and efficiency of the highway.

Frank Roesler of ODOT will be conducting a public meeting to provide additional information about this project as well as hear from citizens about their thoughts on the proposed improvements.  

The public meeting is scheduled for 6:00 P.M. on January 31, 2012 at the Milo Baptist Church located at 23166 State Highway 53 in Ardmore.