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Director's report: McCaleb interchange naming, Heartland Flyer funding and project updates
Summary
The commission honored Ambassador Neil McCaleb with a memorial interchange designation, heard that Texas provided $3.5 million in one‑time support for the Heartland Flyer while Oklahoma continues to cover a funding gap, and received updates on major projects and safety campaigns including a statewide seat‑belt PSA.
Commissioners heard several items in the director's report at the Aug. 18 meeting, including a memorial naming, an update on Heartland Flyer funding, upcoming construction projects and a new statewide seat‑belt campaign.
Memorial interchange: The commission recognized the family of Ambassador Neil McCaleb and announced the planned designation of the "Ambassador Neil McCaleb Memorial Interchange" at I‑35 and 30th Street in Edmond. Senator Jack Stewart spoke at the podium about McCaleb's public service and community contributions. ODOT staff said the agency will install signs once the legislature completes its process.
Heartland Flyer funding: Chief Engineer Dill and staff reported that the Texas Department of Transportation approved a one‑time $3.5 million contribution to continue funding the Heartland Flyer for another year. ODOT currently contributes approximately $2.85 million annually to operate the train but said annual expenses approach $5.0 million. The department described the Texas contribution as a one‑year extension and said it will continue discussions with legislators about long‑term funding to close the operating shortfall.
Project updates: The director's report included short project summaries. ODOT said a new US‑75 bridge in Glenpool (Tulsa County) recently opened to relieve congestion. Upcoming near‑term contracts described by staff include a $27 million full‑depth pavement rehabilitation on US‑69 near Chouteau in Mayes County (six miles of southbound lanes, expected to begin early next year and extend through 2027), a $17 million resurface and shoulder addition on State Highway 37 near Idabel in McCurtain County, and a widening and bridge replacement on State Highway 7 near Sulphur in Murray County (12‑foot lanes and 8‑foot shoulders).
Seat‑belt campaign and PSAs: The department announced a new statewide seat‑belt safety campaign called "Never Skip the Click," aimed at increasing belt use in Oklahoma, which ranks below the national average for seat‑belt usage. ODOT said usage in the state was about 86 percent versus 91 percent nationally and that nearly half of all fatal crashes nationally involve an unbelted occupant. The department showed PSAs developed for rural audiences and said the campaign focuses on rural drivers, young adults and those who believe they are unlikely to be in a crash.
Rail safety: ODOT also flagged the upcoming national Rail Safety Week (Sept. 15–20) and said it will amplify Operation Lifesaver materials because trains or trespassing incidents result in injuries and deaths each year. Staff emphasized ongoing safety outreach and enforcement coordination as part of the department's communications work.
