TULSA, OK — Work recently began on a $252 million project to reconfigure the interchange of I-44 and U.S. 75 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Other improvements during this phase include:
- Widening U.S. 75 between 71st Street and 41st Street
- Replacing the U.S. 75 interchange at 61st Street
- Adding a new frontage road between 61st Street and Skelly Drive
- Extending and connecting 51st Street under U.S. 75
- Building a pedestrian bridge over the railroad along 51st Street near Elwood Avenue
The empty piers on site were constructed during the $90 million Phase 1 project due to available funding at the time and to save construction time, as well as to reduce traffic impacts during the remaining projects. After Phase 1's completion in early 2023, area residents began referring to the interchange as "Traffic Henge" or "Tulsa's Stonehenge" due to the sight of these empty bridge piers.
This new project combines three phases into one to complete the interchange. The $252 million contract is the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's most expensive to date and includes $95 million in funding from two federal grants. A future project will complete the widening of I-44 between the I-44/I-244 Western Split and the Arkansas River.
The Oklahoma Transportation Commission awarded the contract for this project to Manhattan Road and Bridge in October 2024. Completion is anticipated in summer 2028, weather permitting.
