By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
Yukon’s long-awaited Interstate 40 interchange at mile marker 135 is nearing completion.
A ribbon cutting and dedication are being planned as the opening of the new Frisco Road interchange is mere weeks away.
“It is getting very close,” Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) spokeswoman Lisa Shearer-Salim said this week. “It’s looking like the very tail-end of August.”
Sherwood Construction of Tulsa is contractor for the $14 million interchange at Frisco Road in west Yukon.
ODOT is paying 65% of the construction cost, with the City of Yukon’s share covering 35% of the price tag. Yukon contributed other funds for engineering design, right-of-way purchase and utility relocation.
Contractor crews have built the new bridge overpass and on- and off-ramps.
“They still have signage, striping, finishing up guardrails and sidewalks,” Shearer-Salim reported. “It’s looking great!”
Current average daily traffic count along I-40 near the future interchange is about 46,000.
HERE WE GROW AGAIN
Yukon city leaders and developers anticipate sales tax-generating retailers to build along Frisco Road in Yukon city limits because of this new I-40 interchange.
Country Equipment has submitted plans to construct the company’s fourth dealership just east of the interchange at 2001 W Vandament.
Semi-truck drivers making deliveries to Country Equipment’s Yukon dealership will be advised to use the new I-40 exit.
Having this new I-40 interchange at Frisco Road will help alleviate traffic congestion at the Garth Brooks Boulevard and Cimarron Road interchanges, according to Shearer-Salim.
“The project also will improve safety by providing additional access to the nearby hospital (Integris Canadian Valley) and commercial development,” she said.
Sherwood Construction in September 2020 started work on the interchange after the Oklahoma Transportation Commission awarded the company the contract.
Sherwood’s $14,061,010.28 bid was 84% of the engineer’s $16,738,908.02 cost estimate.
