Construction Project On I-244 To Impact Commuters To Tulsa International Airport

A road construction project along I-244 could affect drivers going to the Tulsa International Airport.

The project starts Monday, but the Oklahoma Department of Transportation wants drivers to plan ahead.

The plan is to close down the eastbound I-244 on-ramp leading to State Highway 11 to fix up the bridges.

Drivers familiar with the route are looking forward to a smoother ride.

“It’s easier to go 244 to 11, but with 11 having crappy roads, it’s something that you’re trying to avoid,” said Hayden Million, a driver who frequently travels to Tulsa from Owasso.

Million is not so excited about the potential slowdowns.

“Just like everything else in Oklahoma and Tulsa, it just takes forever,” he said. “Maybe I’ll win the jackpot by then and fix it myself.”

ODOT says the project is part of an eight-year construction work plan.

“State Highway 11 is the main route toward the airport, so we do think that this is going to be an impact for several people heading that direction,” said TJ Gerlach, spokesperson for ODOT.

Drivers coming from the east can detour onto Mingo to get back onto Highway 11. Commuters coming from the west will still be able to take Highway 75 northbound to hop onto Highway 11.

As big a headache as the project may cause, ODOT is asking for patience with the project and for drivers to stay aware of their surroundings.

“As with any work zone in the state, we encourage people to slow down, pay attention to the signage and definitely put away your distractions,” said Gerlach.

ODOT says drivers should expect other intermittent lane closures for barrier wall replacements and bridge deck removals.

The project is expected to be finished at the end of 2024.