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Commission approves $340,000 repair for I-244 ramp fire; discussion focuses on encampments under bridges
Summary
The Transportation Commission approved programming $340,000 in state-aid funds to repair fire damage to the I-244 ramp over the Southern Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad, and commissioners discussed transient encampments under bridges, fencing and intergovernmental enforcement following a recent rise in fire-related damage.
The Transportation Commission voted to program a $340,000 project to repair fire damage to the I-244 ramp over the Southern Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad, with the repair scheduled for the June 2025 letting and funding to come from state aid accounts.
Mr. Hernandez presented the item and told the commission the party responsible for the damage is unknown and that, "similar to the bridge that we brought to commission in February, this fire was started by members of the transient community. It was not a traffic related incident." He said photos of the damage were available and the project is expected to be ready for a June letting.
Commissioners asked for additional information about the annual cost of repairs from fires and asked whether the department could make structures harder to access. Commissioner Coburn and others pressed for data and for discussion of enforcement of a state law passed last year prohibiting encampments on state right of way and property. The department said it has collected data on annual costs and that some municipalities, including Oklahoma City, have installed barriers or similar measures, but ODOT has not implemented such measures statewide and said further internal discussion would be appropriate.
A motion to approve programming the project was made by Junk and seconded by Coburn; the motion passed. The department emphasized that the cost estimate is $340,000, that construction is not traffic-related and that the agency will provide further data on annual fire-related repair costs on request.
Why it matters: Commissioners framed the issue as both an infrastructure stewardship and public-safety problem. They noted repeated repairs and the potential for structural weakening if fires and encampments continue, and they sought stronger municipal partnerships for enforcement and cleanup.
Ending: The commission approved the programming request and directed the department to provide related data and continue intergovernmental coordination on encampment removal and protective measures for vulnerable bridge structures.
