District 3 road projects update

By Rep. Rick West

I recently received an update on a few ongoing and future road projects in LeFlore County by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s area transportation manager.

Phase 1 of the U.S. Highway 59 project is nearing completion. Robinson Construction is finishing base rock and punch list items, which should be completed in the next 90 days if there are no weather delays.

Phase II is set to be bid in November. This phase’s start time should be in early 2026. It will consist of constructing the tie ends, additional dirt work, driveways, and concrete paving.

The Highway 59 asphalt overlay from Poteau to Heavener also was awarded to Robinson Construction with the start date set for June 8. The company plans to mill at night and lay asphalt during daytime hours. People can expect some delays when workers are present. The contract time is 60 days, weather permitting.  

According to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s website, the Highway 59 project begins 1.5 miles north of State Highway 28 and extends north 9.3 miles between Heavener and Poteau. The estimated cost is almost $2.3 million.

This week, the State Highway 112 project was awarded to L&N Bridge. This project will consist of widening to four lanes and constructing new bridges over the Poteau River approximately a quarter mile north of Poteau. L&N Bridge is expected to begin work in August of this year. They have 500 days for construction of this project that has been estimated to cost over $18.5 million.

Here are a few additional projects listed on ODOT’s website:

A million dollars has been estimated for work on U.S. Highway 270 beginning at the junction of U.S. Highway 271 and extending approximately 11 miles southeast between Heavener and Wister. The project is not currently funded.

An additional project on U.S. 271 north- and southbound from State Highway 112 2.3 miles to the Arkansas state line has been estimated at almost $1.8 million, but no planning or other work has been completed at this time.

Planning, environmental and design work is complete U.S. 59 from Sunset Corner extending west approximately 5.9 miles, with an estimated cost of almost $44.9 million. The construction let date is scheduled for November.

Planning is 100% complete for work on State Highway 83 over Sugar Loaf Creek, 7.88 miles east of junction U.S. Highway 59. An environmental impact study is 10% complete and is estimated to be completed this fall along with design work. Construction is scheduled to be let in November with an estimated cost of $2.5 million.

Planning is 50% complete for S.H. 83 over Cowskin Creek, 7.55 miles east of U.S. 59.  An environmental study is planned for this fall with right-of-way planned for 2027 and design planned for winter of 2028. The construction let date is not until 2030.

If I can help you with anything, please call my Capitol office at (405) 557-7413 or email me at rick.west@okhouse.gov.

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Rick West serves District 3 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of LeFlore County.

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