Major reconstruction effort underway for US-81

Improvements to US-81 in Kingfisher began this week and state Senator Darcy Jech is applauding the kickoff of the long-anticipated project.  Sen. Jech, R-Kingfisher and Rep. Mike Sanders, R-Kingfisher represent the district impacted by the work.

According to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), the $8.6 million contract was awarded in March to Duit Construction, with the 3.5-mile long project expected to be completed in approximately one year.  Plans include the reconstruction and rehabilitation of US-81 between West Will Rogers Dr. and just south of Park Community Road.  Northbound US-81 will be reconstructed and roadway shoulders will be added, while road improvements will be made to southbound US-81. 

Left turn lanes will be added to US-81 at both Park Community Road and Victory Lane. The left turn lanes at Starlite Drive will be rebuilt.  Additionally, access to Mercy Hospital Kingfisher will remain open, but motorists can also access the hospital entrance off Victory Lane.

Traffic delays should be anticipated as southbound US-81 will be narrowed to one lane until early August.   ODOT said both northbound and southbound traffic will be narrowed to one lane in each direction this fall and will remain in this configuration for most of the project.  Motorists should anticipate lane shifts and intermittent closures for the duration of the work.  ODOT advises the speed limit is reduced to 35 MPH throughout the work area.