Tulsa drivers should brace themselves for a series of lane closures and detours as a number of highway construction projects continue to unfold across the city. According to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, the east and westbound SH-51/Broken Arrow Expwy will see the left lanes closed between Memorial Dr. and US-169 due to an ongoing lighting project. This will commence from 7 p.m. Monday and is expected to extend until 6 a.m. Tuesday.
Moreover, for those planning to travel on SH-11/Gilcrease Expwy, it is to be noted that eastbound lanes near N. Yale Ave. will be narrowed down to one lane starting 7 a.m. Tuesday and lasting through the entire month, as crews work to install safety devices. In addition, longer-term projects like the interchange improvement at I-44 and US-75 are set to persist through the summer of 2028. This includes detours for drivers via eastbound I-244 to northbound US-75, and similarly, affected routes for southbound US-75 drivers who need to access both directions of I-44.
Less extensive but still disruptive, the I-44 and SH-66 interchange improvements in Catoosa are projected to continue through 2026, leaving east and westbound lanes on I-44 and SH-66, including associated ramps, with various closures and limited merging areas. These ongoing works are set to enable smoother commutes in the future, but currently require travelers to adjust their routes and expectations accordingly.
US-75, a vital commuting artery, will also be functioning below capacity with one lane in each direction between 56th St. N. and 66th St. N. through the summer of 2026. This downscaling is due to bridge rehabilitation efforts. Similarly, SH-97 in Sand Springs will undergo pavement reconstruction through November. Although traffic will be maintained in both directions at peak hours, Morrow Rd. and Wekiwa Rd. will see closures and narrowing, respectively. Lastly, the bridge replacement project over Bird Creek has necessitated SH-66 to be narrowed to one lane at this juncture near Catoosa until early 2026, according to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.
For drivers navigating these disruptions, patience and planning are requisite. Staying informed of closures and recommended detours will be essential as Tulsa forges ahead with these critical infrastructure enhancements aimed at ultimately creating a safer and more efficient travel network.
