The Oklahoma State Capital

Guthrie residents entering Interstate 35 from the South Division entrance ramp may have noticed new construction signs appearing lately. For those who where wondering what this means, prepare to be amazed.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has decided that the day is finally here when the Division Street exit will be expanded to a full service exit. For years, Northbound 1-35 travelers have been unable to exit onto Division. The same dilemma exists for Division Street motorists who want to use the interstate to cross onto the north side of town. Ever since the inception of the interstate in the 1950's, this has been the case. You can then imagine why businesses have been very hesitant to locate at this exit ramp. With the exception of John Vance auto sales, no other businesses have.

The Duit construction company won the ODOT bid to perform this project. Duit construction, which is out of Edmond, has had past experience working on I-35. In the summer and winter of 1997, Duit was responsible for expanding South I-35 from four to six lanes from SE 29th to SE 44th Streets in Oklahoma City. Duit also expanded I-35 at the Fort Smith junction in the summer of 1998.

Construction, which is just now in the preliminary phases, should be complete by the end of the year. Guthrie City Manager Bret Jones announced the project during council meetings earlier this year. One of the concerns that Jones brought up was the fact that during two separate occurrences, Duit will shut down I-35 traffic and route it into Guthrie via the Seward Road exit. One of these shutdowns will last for a day and the other for a three-day period. Jones expressed concern that Seward Road, in its present condition, will be unable to withstand the wear of the enormous amount of traffic it will experience. Initially, Jones felt that Duit might be able to pave the road prior to the increased traffic. Duit, however, informed Jones that ODOT has not set aside any funds for this project.

Other areas of concern have arisen over the amount of traffic that will be forced onto other city streets during the expected closures. This may, however, provide a unique opportunity for area merchants who could benefit from the increased traffic.

It is not known if the Duit company has as of yet publicly indicated a date when these closures will occur.