The Oklahoma Department of Transportation says it’s working to remove nearly 20,000 tons of rock that fell in a June 18 landslide that’s kept Interstate 35 partially shut down for the past week.
Nearly 20 roads remain closed from previous storms dating to early May.
FLOODING- Update on highway closures due to flooding/damage: http://t.co/L5ZPQc4Xiu
— Oklahoma Department of Transportation (@OKDOT) June 25, 2015
ODOT says experts from the Colorado Department of Transportation are on site to determine the best way to remove the debris and prevent further rockslides by stabilizing the formation. Surface repairs also have to be made to I-35, the main artery between Oklahoma City and Dallas.
Oklahoma transportation authorities recommended blasting and placing rock bolts through the formation as part of the project. It’s expected to cost more than $750,000, which would exceed executive director Mike Patterson’s contracting authority. The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will have to approve an expedited contract.
One lane of northbound traffic reopened Sunday after a crossover was built to move drivers over to the southbound lanes. I-35 is also narrowed near Wynnewood and in Ardmore due to ongoing bridge projects.
Nearly 20 roads remain closed from previous storms dating to early May.
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