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- calendar_today November 6, 2026
Highway 75 in Jenks Fully Reopened After Major Road Rehabilitation
All lanes of Highway 75 through Jenks, Oklahoma have reopened following completion of a $4 million rehabilitation project at the Polecat Creek Bridges. The reopening brings relief to drivers who endured months of lane reductions and construction-related delays.
Project Overview and Timeline
The extensive road rehabilitation project began in January, requiring crews to reduce traffic to one lane in each direction along a stretch that typically carries around 63,000 vehicles per day. The construction focused on rehabilitating key bridge structures to improve safety and extend the road's service life.
Challenges and Unexpected Delays
The hwy 75 construction encountered several unexpected delays. Shortly after work began, crews were forced to pause construction due to the discovery of a bald eagle's nest near the construction site. In coordination with federal agencies, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) put the work on hold to protect the wildlife, creating what ODOT described as a significant but necessary delay—referred to as the eagle nest delay.
Traffic Management: Zipper Merge and Lane Closures
Throughout the work, ODOT highway work strategies included introducing a zipper merge traffic pattern. This approach sought to keep traffic moving efficiently through the construction zone and minimize overall congestion, even with reduced lane availability. Drivers experienced narrowed passage but continued movement along a vital commuter corridor.
Additional Obstacles: Bridge Steel Deterioration
Work was further delayed after construction teams uncovered unexpected deterioration in the bridge steel. This bridge steel deterioration required additional repairs and further extended the project timeline. Nevertheless, crews addressed the issue to ensure the long-term stability and safety of the Polecat Creek Bridges on Highway 75.
Completion and Remaining Work
With the main phase of construction finished, traffic lane reopening is now complete. All lanes are open, and the usual flow of jenks highway traffic has resumed. ODOT indicated that some minor work remains under the bridges but emphasized that these activities should not affect drivers or cause any more lane restrictions.
Summary
The reopening of Highway 75 through Jenks marks the end of a complex road rehabilitation project characterized by environmental challenges, structural issues, and innovative traffic management. Drivers can now travel the corridor without further interruption following the project at the Polecat Creek Bridges.
Source: kjrh.com.
