MOORE, OK — The City of Moore and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking for the SH-37/S.E. 4th Street Bridge Construction Project, a project aimed at improving safety and mobility in the region.
Congressman Tom Cole, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, joined local and state officials to celebrate the commencement of the nearly $30 million project, awarded to Allen Contracting at November’s Oklahoma Transportation Commission meeting. This construction includes a new BNSF railroad bridge over SH-37/S.E. 4th Street. The highway will be lowered to create an underpass, effectively separating the busy railroad from the much-traveled SH-37/S.E. 4th Street. This improvement will reduce the risk of accidents and enhance traffic movement, addressing long-standing congestion issues.
“I am so proud to have helped secure the funding for the SH-37 Railroad Underpass project in Moore," Cole said. "This project is critical to helping keep Oklahomans safe by reducing the number of collisions between vehicles, trains, and cyclists, and I look forward to seeing the finished underpass."
“We are excited to see the beginning of this transformative project that will benefit not only the residents of Moore but also commuters, emergency responders, and visitors to the area,” Moore Mayor Mark Hamm said. “The new bridge will alleviate train-related blockages, making it safer for everyone traveling through this busy corridor.”
The project marks a significant step in addressing congestion, improving safety, and ensuring smoother transit in Moore. Improvements include the separation of the railroad and highway, creating an underpass that will help prevent collisions and eliminate daily disruptions caused by the approximately 36 trains passing through the area. The project will also feature a bike/pedestrian bridge and pathway along the underpass to increase safety for non-motorized travelers. Additional benefits including reduced traffic congestion, improved emergency response times, and better access to local retail areas, services, and the nearby hospital are all expected with the project’s completion.
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"This project is a pivotal infrastructure investment in the future of Moore and the surrounding region,” said Tim Gatz, Director of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. “We are not only enhancing safety and reducing congestion, but we’re also supporting economic growth and improving quality of life for residents, commuters, and visitors alike. This is a critical step toward ensuring a safer, more efficient transportation network for all."
The anticipated outcomes of the project include enhanced safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, as well as a smoother travel experience for everyone who relies on SH-37 as their preferred transit route.
The project is a joint effort by the City of Moore, ODOT, and BNSF Railway and is partially funded by the Raise Grant and Congressional Discretionary Spending. The project is anticipated to be completed by the summer of 2026.
