FHWA Administrator Mendez Joins Governor Fallin for Grand Opening of I-40 Crosstown Expressway

Topics:  Victor Mendez, Interstate Highway System

Federal Highway Administration
5 January 2012

FHWA 01-12
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Contact: Nancy Singer
Tel: 202-366-0660

OKLAHOMA CITY - Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez today joined Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and other state and local officials today in opening the new I-40 Crosstown Expressway that will relieve congestion and improve access to downtown Oklahoma City.

"This project is another great example of why investment in transportation is critical to the economy," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "It's good for our nation's businesses and helps create the jobs we need."

At $688 million, including $601 million in federal dollars, the I-40 Crosstown Expressway is Oklahoma's most expensive road project, involving the completely new realignment of a roadway.

"The completion of this project will make it easier for people to get to work and create a more productive business and economic environment," said Administrator Mendez.

The new I-40 Crosstown Expressway is a 10-lane interstate, increased from six, located five blocks further south with 12 access points into downtown. It replaces an elevated road that was built in 1965 and has undergone repeated emergency repairs over the years. The new highway, which was finished months ahead of schedule, is a combination of ground-level and partly underground roadways that can carry 173,000 vehicles a day, significantly beyond the capacity of the old road.