MURRAY COUNTY, Okla. – Oklahoma Department of Transportation says I-35 is still closed just south of US-77/Turner Falls after a rock slide caused by heavy rain on Thursday.
Officials are still looking for a way to stabilize the area, but their focus is to reopen the northbound lanes of I-35 as soon as possible.
Construction of a crossover that will move northbound traffic onto one southbound lane and then back over to the northbound lanes has already started and is expected to continue through Sunday.
ODOT says crews plan to work around the clock until the crossovers are completed, and drivers can expect delays in the upcoming weeks as repairs are made to the northbound side of the interstate.
Overland Corporation is expected to get around $550,000 for completing the project as quickly as possible.
I-35 shut down in Murray County Thursday after large boulders fell from the side of the Arbuckle Mountains and into the roadway.
Authorities tell us at least one car hit one of the large boulders.
Officials shut down I-35 from Ardmore to Davis due to the rock slide.
Oklahoma Department of Transportation engineers assessed the situation and worked to determine how to remove the boulders.
“We do not want the interstate shut down longer than we have to. But we have to maintain the safety of the public and the motoring public as they travel to their destination. If it’s unsafe we are going to shut down roads.” OHP Trooper Lt. Jay Clary said.
There are still several state highways shut down because of high water.
“My advice is if you don’t need to get out at this time, don’t get out,” said Trooper Clary. “If you see standing water, turn around.”
