Driving Oklahoma’s I-35 Corridor Transformation
Brandon Huxford
Transportation Engineer
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Freese and Nichols are working together to transform Oklahoma’s I-35 corridor into a high-performance transportation hub. Our collaboration with ODOT is focused on enhancing interstate mobility, stimulating economic growth and optimizing freight movement.
Planning a Roadmap for Success
Freese and Nichols assisted ODOT in developing a comprehensive blueprint for the future of Oklahoma’s I-35 corridor. By segmenting the interstate into distinct areas, we’ve pinpointed specific challenges and opportunities to guide strategic investments. Our in-depth analysis, coupled with ODOT’s expertise and working with a host of other engineering partners, has produced a clear roadmap for improving the corridor’s efficiency and safety.
“Freese and Nichols has been working with ODOT on various projects for the better part of seven years,” said Brandon Huxford, Transportation Group Manager, Oklahoma City. “As a trusted advisor, we were honored to help them bring all the pieces together for this vital report and online dashboard. I-35 is the busiest interstate in the central region of the United States, and it’s important to improve the corridor for both traffic capacity and the economic impacts it has on the state. We applaud the work of the consultants who made this report possible.”
Taking Modern to the Next Level
In following with ODOT’s push for modern solutions, we assisted the department in creating an interactive online dashboard to make complex information accessible to the public. This user-friendly tool showcases recommended improvements, associated costs, and other vital data while remaining flexible with ease of maintaining updates as this ever-evolving corridor changes. It provides a creative and easy way for the public to educate themselves on the critical infrastructure needs of the I-35 corridor over the next 20 years.
Designing for the Future
Our engineering expertise is being applied to develop innovative solutions that address the corridor’s growing demands through designing a segments expansion to six lanes. By optimizing traffic flow, improving safety, and accommodating increased freight traffic, we’re helping ODOT build a stronger Oklahoma economy.
To fund a safe and efficient I-35 corridor within the state, over $2 billion will need to be invested over the next 20 years. With continued growth in Texas and Kansas, increased density in freight traffic and growth within the Oklahoma City Metropolitan area, staying on top of the priority needs along I-35 will be paramount for the continued function of the corridor.
With this size of investment, I-35 is poised to remain a vital asset for the state, driving economic growth and enhancing connectivity. Freese and Nichols is committed to working closely with ODOT and other stakeholders to ensure that this investment delivers maximum benefits for Oklahoma for years to come.
Brandon Huxford leads traffic engineering and roadway design projects for the Central Plains region. He is based in Oklahoma City.