Update on District 3 road projects

By Rep. RICK WEST

Last week, I got up updated list of projects scheduled on the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s current eight-year plan, located within House District 3.

First is a contract to construct pavement on top of current dirt work on U.S. Highway 59 from Sunset Corners to State Highway 9. The finished project will have two lanes in each direction with a center turn lane. Construction is scheduled to begin next year. The total estimate is $45 million for the pavement and $21 million for the dirt work.

On State Highway 112 from the end of the existing four-lane on the north end of Poteau, extending about 1.6 miles, crews will build a new bridge over the Poteau River on the north side of the existing bridge. You may have witnessed ODOT crews at the site last week cutting some trees. There are seasonal restrictions on tree cutting during the “pupping” season for a certain type of bat. The trees were cut prior to that restriction so the contract would not be delayed. Construction is estimated at $18.5 million and is scheduled to begin later this year.

These two projects alone will cost an estimated $85 million for about six miles of work. Sure is expensive!

Then there’s State Highway 9 from the Haskell County line to U.S. Highway 59. This is in the preliminary engineering phase but will result in the addition of a shoulder on the narrow two-lane highway. Right of way and utility activities are scheduled in 2029.

The Poteau Bypass at the Pleasant Valley Road intersection is in the early development stages, so no exact design is known yet. The intent is to improve safety at the intersection and reduce the number of crashes. This also is scheduled in 2029.

State Highway 112 from near Rock Island to Pocola is in the early development stages with studies underway. The goal is to improve safety and efficiency along this heavily traveled commuter route. The exact scope of the work is yet to be determined, but ODOT is planning to begin rights of way activities in 2029 for any additional land that may be needed or utilities that may need to be relocated.

In addition to the eight-year plan projects, which are typically larger in size and scope, there are a few projects in the asset preservation plan. These should be considered heavy maintenance, basically extending the life cycle of the existing roadway. These include:

U.S. Highway 59 from Heavener to Poteau, replacing the existing driving surface. This is scheduled to be done later this year.

U.S. Highway 271 from Pocola to the Arkansas State Line is simply replacing the existing driving surface. This is scheduled for 2026.

For a complete list of projects in the area or anywhere else in the state, you can visit ODOT’s website at oklahoma.gov/odot.

I also got to meet last week with county commissioners from District 3. Presently, they get money for road maintenance based on population. This is unfair. It should be based on road miles. I’m hoping to hold an interim study on this later this year. I like ODOT’s eight-year plan as it makes it more fair for everyone in the state, but I think this issue needs to be considered.

Remember to listen to my Capitol update on the radio at 7:35 a.m. every Thursday on KPRV.

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

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

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