(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.) Students attending the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) state convention in Oklahoma City got a glimpse Thursday at the Faces Behind the Flag work zone safety demonstration in the exhibit area of the Oklahoma City Convention Center. 
Personnel with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, the Work Zone Safe program and its safety partners walked students through a mock work zone to educate them about the hazards they may face on highways when driving. Following a few simple rules of the road such as buckling up, putting away distractions and slowing down inside work zones could mean the difference between a life-altering crash and getting home safely.
This event falls within ODOT's and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's work zone safety awareness month efforts to remind motorists to Make It Home Safe; Make Oklahoma Safe.
"The premise behind Work Zone Safe is to give teen drivers the information they need to navigate highway work zones before they ever encounter one on the road," said Tom Robins, Work Zone Safe founder. "We want teens to know the rules of the road to help ensure they and our workers arrive home safe every day."
Overall, crashes and traffic fatalities are up in Oklahoma and nationwide. The data in Oklahoma shows that drivers and passengers are far more likely than workers to lose their lives in crashes inside work zones. In the past five years, 91 people, including one ODOT worker, were killed and 1,294 people were injured in more than 7,125 collisions in Oklahoma work zones. Five people were killed and 81 were injured in 273 collisions in work zones through May 2022, which is the most recent data available.
Drivers ages 15-19 can take the free, 30-minute online work zone safety course at <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lldvcmtab25lU2FmZS5jb20iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNDA2Ljc0Nzc2MTIxIn0.XC6uWf2Y0cVBChnsKNCnpRTWulrACwcPy5kl8U6uzPA/s/861518908/br/157592124231-l" target="_blank">https://www.WorkZoneSafe.com</a>. More than 3,000 Oklahoma teen drivers have taken the WorkZoneSafe.com course and more than 15,000 teens have interacted in person with the Face Behind the Flag work zone safety demonstrations statewide since the program's inception in 2021. Teens who successfully complete the course are entered each month by WorkZoneSafe.com to win a $500 Oklahoma 529 Educational Scholarship provided by the Association of Oklahoma General Contractors.
ODOT and OTA are reminding drivers that they will see more work zones in place this spring and summer. In fact, drivers can expect more than 160 active work zones in Oklahoma this summer driving season. These range from short-term maintenance projects with minimal impact to traffic to major interstate reconstruction, which can affect more than 100,000 vehicles per day.
The best way to not be caught off guard in work zones is to check before you go by using ODOT's and OTA's free Drive Oklahoma mobile app, checking traffic advisories or a map of current work zones at <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cub2RvdC5vcmciLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNDA2Ljc0Nzc2MTIxIn0.sr0r7vhbJGys9VLW3kXL-uuh7aOxebyG0JZqE_GmALM/s/861518908/br/157592124231-l" target="_blank">www.odot.org</a> or viewing current traffic conditions at <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cub2t0cmFmZmljLm9yZyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MDYuNzQ3NzYxMjEifQ.BuHSH3FB8EIwgcyIFcZ5F9p3xBRG16Of7cBoWv9Bi_I/s/861518908/br/157592124231-l" target="_blank">www.oktraffic.org</a>. Another way to be aware of work zones is to check online at <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cub2RvdC5vcmciLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNDA2Ljc0Nzc2MTIxIn0.0U81DVtMrXgQ7DeXb1199hF6ad4LykoeHMZQxupxgI4/s/861518908/br/157592124231-l" target="_blank">www.odot.org</a> and click ODOT Project Status, which is a new map detailing highway project information. OTA projects are listed at <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYWNjZXNzb2tsYWhvbWEuY29tIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDQwNi43NDc3NjEyMSJ9.rixPZONC_oeYcMfAm3w_mkx7GvJ2hN4QDYUv67cy0jY/s/861518908/br/157592124231-l" target="_blank">www.accessoklahoma.com</a>

Oklahoma

Work Zone Safe, ODOT train teen drivers in work zone safety

Oklahoma Department of Transportation

(PAWNEE COUNTY, Okla.) A semi-trailer truck crashed into the eastbound US-412/Cimarron Turnpike Hallett toll plaza at SH-99 (mm 48) in Pawnee County on Monday morning, insuring the tool booth attendant inside. She was treated by emergency medical personnel at the scene.
The crash signifies the importance of driver safety in toll booth plazas across the 624 miles of turnpikes across Oklahoma. Drivers must be attentive, putting away all distractions and monitoring slowing traffic in reduced speed zones for the safety of all motorists and the turnpike maintenance employees.
Turnpike maintenance workers quickly worked to replace the damaged toll booth, including electrical wiring, and had it operational by Monday night.
“Unfortunately, we see the highest number of crashes on Oklahoma turnpikes at toll plazas where we have motorists slowing down at varying speeds and changing lanes at the last second,” Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Deputy Director Joe Echelle said.
The crash also provides a prime example of OTA’s systemwide implementation of PlatePay and the safety enhancements that come with cashless tolling. PlatePay creates a free flow of traffic and a safer, more efficient means of travel with cameras at toll plazas photographing a non-PIKEPASS vehicle’s license plate, enabling the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to send the vehicle’s registered owner an invoice.
The John Kilpatrick and Kickapoo Turnpikes in the Oklahoma City metro have already converted to PlatePay with the nine existing turnpikes scheduled to convert during the next two years. The Cimarron Turnpike, where Monday’s toll plaza crash occurred, is the next turnpike scheduled to convert to PlatePay later this summer.
“PlatePay will eliminate toll plazas, allowing motorists to remain at turnpike speeds without sudden slowing, stopping or merging,” Echelle said. “We used to have weekly crashes at the old Kilpatrick toll plazas and haven’t had one at those plazas since converting that turnpike to cashless. Safety is our top priority, and PlatePay will significantly reduce the number of crashes on state turnpikes.”
PIKEPASS remains the most cost-effective way to travel Oklahoma turnpikes, providing customers the lowest toll rate. To open a PIKEPASS account, visit PIKEPASS.com. Learn more about PlatePay at PlatePay.com.
A semi-trailer truck crashed into the eastbound US-412/Cimarron Turnpike Hallett toll plaza at SH-99 (mm 48) in Pawnee County on Monday morning, insuring the tool booth attendant inside. She was treated by emergency medical personnel at the scene.
The crash signifies the importance of driver safety in toll booth plazas across the 624 miles of turnpikes across Oklahoma. Drivers must be attentive, putting away all distractions and monitoring slowing traffic in reduced speed zones for the safety of all motorists and the turnpike maintenance employees.
Turnpike maintenance workers quickly worked to replace the damaged toll booth, including electrical wiring, and had it operational by Monday night.
“Unfortunately, we see the highest number of crashes on Oklahoma turnpikes at toll plazas where we have motorists slowing down at varying speeds and changing lanes at the last second,” Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Deputy Director Joe Echelle said.
The crash also provides a prime example of OTA’s systemwide implementation of PlatePay and the safety enhancements that come with cashless tolling. PlatePay creates a free flow of traffic and a safer, more efficient means of travel with cameras at toll plazas photographing a non-PIKEPASS vehicle’s license plate, enabling the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to send the vehicle’s registered owner an invoice.
The John Kilpatrick and Kickapoo Turnpikes in the Oklahoma City metro have already converted to PlatePay with the nine existing turnpikes scheduled to convert during the next two years. The Cimarron Turnpike, where Monday’s toll plaza crash occurred, is the next turnpike scheduled to convert to PlatePay later this summer.
“PlatePay will eliminate toll plazas, allowing motorists to remain at turnpike speeds without sudden slowing, stopping or merging,” Echelle said. “We used to have weekly crashes at the old Kilpatrick toll plazas and haven’t had one at those plazas since converting that turnpike to cashless. Safety is our top priority, and PlatePay will significantly reduce the number of crashes on state turnpikes.”
PIKEPASS remains the most cost-effective way to travel Oklahoma turnpikes, providing customers the lowest toll rate. To open a PIKEPASS account, visit PIKEPASS.com. Learn more about PlatePay at PlatePay.com.

Crash at Hallett toll plaza emphasizes importance of motorist safety and PlatePay at toll booths

<h1>(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.) A night-time crash earlier this year on the Turner Turnpike nearly cost two Oklahoma Turnpike Authority employees their lives. </h1>
Jeremy Smart and Kenny Baker recounted their near-miss in a work zone when Oklahoma Transportation and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority employees gathered Friday morning at ODOT's Oklahoma City headquarters to share a moment of silence and hear the names of the two agency's 72 fallen workers be read by transportation executives. This ceremony was the final event of a two-week work zone safety awareness campaign titled "Safety: It's Not Just About You."
Baker was directing traffic off the Turner Turnpike at the Stroud exit the night of Jan. 27 while emergency personnel worked to remove vehicle debris from a crash during a snow storm. Smart sat down in his pickup, which was blocking a lane, to make a phone call to his crew waiting for him to head back to the Kickapoo Turnpike.
Suddenly, Baker saw a semi-tractor trailer pull around the line of vehicles waiting to exit and pick up speed in the lanes blocked by two OTA pickups to protect workers who were removing vehicles from the earlier crash.
"I kept thinking he was going to stop. He had come around to pass all the people getting off. He apparently didn't see me with my flashlight or our vehicles (with flashing lights). He got up on us quick. The only thing I knew to do was to scream and tell Jeremy to get out of the truck," Baker said.
"I just happened to have my door open and I hear Kenny yell, 'Jeremy, get out! Get out! Get out!," Smart said. "I could hear his voice — it was serious."
Both men jumped over the center median barrier wall to safety with seconds to spare. "I saw my truck get annihilated going down the highway by a semi that never slammed on his brakes, never touched the brakes or anything," Smart said.
Things happened so quickly that at first Baker was unsure whether Smart had made it out of his truck in time. "I was just glad to see him over there," Baker said.
Others on scene also initially thought the worst. "A guy working on another ramp had called my boss and said 'Jeremy and Kenny are both dead.' So, that's how close it was. If it wasn't for this guy right here, I'd be another name on that list (the fallen workers memorial)," Smart said of Baker. "I'm very thankful."
ODOT employee Darin Manley shared a similar experience from March 24 on US-412 near SH-74 east of Enid. 
The 19-year transportation employee and two co-workers were about to exit an ODOT pickup in the right lane where maintenance work was taking place. Another vehicle rear-ended the pickup at nearly 70 mph. The back of their vehicle had an arrow board and flashing lights to signal motorists to move over.
"It was kind of like being hit by lightning. Everything happened so fast. She was apparently watching a video on her phone. She didn't even see we were there and had her cruise control on," Manley said.
Luckily, the ODOT crew and the driver walked away without serious injury.
All three workers had a message for motorists.
"These are people, people who have families. If you see flashing lights, just slow down. Too many people are not paying attention and on their cell phones. There's plenty of distractions in our vehicles today. But be aware there's people working out on the roadway," Smart said.
Manley said his message to motorists is simple: "You owe it to yourself to not go speeding through a construction zone anywhere watching a video or doing a text message and possibly cause a work zone fatality. That's something you can never take back. You can never redo that day of your life. If there's something on that phone that's so important, you should pull over where it's safe and pay attention to your phone."
With more than 275 ODOT and OTA work zones planned for the summer construction season this year, Secretary of Transportation Tim Gatz said motorists suffer crashes and injuries far more often than workers, and that's why it's critical for all drivers to slow down and remain vigilant in work zones.
"Any crash that results in serious injury or fatality affects more than just the driver. The choices made behind the wheel can affect your family or someone else's family, friends and community forever," Gatz said. "We want everyone to go home safely at the end of each day and through a partnership between workers and drivers, we can accomplish that goal."
In the past five years, 91 people, including one ODOT worker, were killed and 1,455 people were injured in more than 8,000 collisions in Oklahoma work zones. Preliminary figures show 20 people were killed from January-September 2021 in work zones. Even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when traffic volumes significantly decreased, work zone fatalities did not lessen. Nineteen motorists lost their lives in work zones that year.
Learn more about work zone safety at <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA0MTUuNTY1MTk2NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5Ecml2ZVNhZmVseU9rbGFob21hLmNvbSJ9.820v9WHzquX_tH6pFqZYvi0q9_uD5B7zWNVOUH4U9pk/s/861518908/br/129914541051-l" target="_blank">https://www.DriveSafelyOklahoma.com</a>.

Workers recount near misses on highways; urge motorists to pay close attention in work zones

(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.) The 33rd annual Oklahoma <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAzMDQuNTQzODY5NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL29rbGFob21hLmdvdi9vZG90L3Byb2dyYW1zLWFuZC1wcm9qZWN0cy9iZWF1dGlmaWNhdGlvbi9hbm51YWwtdHJhc2gtb2ZmMi5odG1sIn0.s_lak18QjAcH6xPt3rWeXAiOzfFnxAI8hsnr4MT6Jx8/s/861518908/br/127536183774-l" target="_blank">TRASH-OFF</a> is open for registration, part of a goal to keep Oklahoma free of litter as volunteers spring into the season. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation and <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAzMDQuNTQzODY5NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rZWVwb2tsYWhvbWFiZWF1dGlmdWwuY29tLyJ9.YzXCsaFbRk1fNkk5iEAb1fyeKzSUR9wsr8VH2iU8iKM/s/861518908/br/127536183774-l" target="_blank">Keep Oklahoma Beautiful</a> are once again partners for the event, which is part of the national three-month annual <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAzMDQuNTQzODY5NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2thYi5vcmcvcHJvZ3JhbXMvZ3JlYXQtYW1lcmljYW4tY2xlYW51cC8_Z2NsaWQ9RUFJYUlRb2JDaE1JdVpQMnZfcXE5Z0lWbGhQVUFSMzBEUVpGRUFBWUFTQUFFZ0l3T2ZEX0J3RSJ9.fJfD33yA64HHJmWLUpxq5pBX2Rg3h2gjG8yu57cViT4/s/861518908/br/127536183774-l" target="_blank">Great American Cleanup</a>. TRASH-OFF is included in ODOT’s vision of eliminating litter on state highways and interstates.
TRASH-OFF is a statewide all-day event on April 16, and the Great American Cleanup is open to all communities and volunteers through May 31. To register for either event, groups, counties and individuals may join online at <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAzMDQuNTQzODY5NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtlZXBva2xhaG9tYWJlYXV0aWZ1bC5jb20ifQ.qI4hLW6F7gjSC6AsjLOeF23tCFW9r5eX7kQ1s-wjWXo/s/861518908/br/127536183774-l" target="_blank">www.keepoklahomabeautiful.com</a> or call 405-286-9141.
Keep Oklahoma Beautiful was able to partner with 138 Great American Cleanup community events in 2021, up from 49 previously. Keep Oklahoma Beautiful had 9,320 participants who collected nearly 3 million pounds of litter and cleaned nearly 6,000 miles of roads, more than a 1,700 percent increase from the year before. Typically, year-long contributions save the state more than $5 million a year in cleanup savings as a result of these volunteer efforts.
“We are so grateful to our volunteers who continue to keep our communities beautiful,” ODOT Beautification Coordinator Melody Johnson said. “I am amazed at the increase in numbers and the pride each of these groups take in keeping the state litter free.”
Keep Oklahoma Beautiful provides TRASH-OFF supplies and promotional items to participants, including cash grants, trash bags and water donations. ODOT distributes the supplies to each of its 77 county maintenance yards where they are picked up by volunteers. This year’s participants are advised to use gloves at all times, practice social distancing, limit groups to 10-20 individuals and keep any children closely supervised when participating in the cleanup efforts.
Keep America Beautiful recognized ODOT and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority with the national 2021 State Agency Partnership Recognition Award for ODOT’s continued involvement with the Great American Cleanup. Both ODOT and OTA also earned this national honor in 2020.
Oklahoma’s Great American Cleanup is sponsored by ODOT, OTA, Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, OG&amp;E, PSO, Warren CAT, Oklahoma Beverage Association and Pepsi Bottling.

Oklahomans springing into the season for 2022 TRASH-OFF

(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.) Gov. Kevin Stitt and Secretary of Transportation Tim Gatz presented ACCESS Oklahoma, a $5 billion, 15-year long-range plan, to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Board of Directors last month.
ACCESS Oklahoma, which stands for Advancing and Connecting Communities and Economies Safely Statewide, is a comprehensive, long-range planning process that looks at ongoing highway infrastructure needs for the next 15 years. It is designed to improve access to communities and help meet the state’s future infrastructure needs. This is the first plan of its type by OTA, and it will complement the agency’s five-year Capital Improvement Program.
Stitt, an ex-officio member of the board, and Gatz highlighted for the board the benefits ACCESS Oklahoma will bring to the state and previewed the proposed new turnpike alignments.
“The future of our economy will depend on having a modern highway system that manages congestion and reliable travel times,” Stitt said. “ACCESS Oklahoma is a bold investment in our future that provides needed corridor connections and expansions while making travel easier and leading to more economic development across the state.”
Features of ACCESS Oklahoma include:
Widening the Turner Turnpike to six lanes between Oklahoma City and Bristow, which will create a six-lane highway for the entirety of the turnpike between the state’s two largest metros.
The construction of reliever routes around Oklahoma’s two largest metropolitan areas.
Off- and on-ramps constructed on the existing turnpike system, improving traffic safety for additional rural Oklahoma communities.
Many communities have offered tremendous positive feedback on the future of the turnpike system following the completion of recent projects such as the Kickapoo Turnpike in eastern Oklahoma County and the John Kilpatrick extension in southwest Oklahoma City as well as the ongoing Gilcrease Expressway project. These communities are seeking opportunities to coordinate infrastructure planning with their ongoing economic development efforts.
“ACCESS Oklahoma is a strategic corridor plan that focuses on travel time reliability, easing congestion in our metro areas, moving freight across the state and adding access to communities that previously were not connected to turnpikes,” Gatz said. “Addressing these needs will directly impact citizens’ quality of life while enhancing the state’s infrastructure for future growth. But most importantly, each of these projects will improve highway safety for motorists.”
The board hired Poe &amp; Associates, an Oklahoma City-based engineering consultant, during the January 2022 board meeting to provide program management services for ACCESS Oklahoma’s long-range plan projects.
ACCESS Oklahoma will be fully paid for with bonds and will not affect any part of the state budgeting process. Revenue will not be diverted from other state priorities. Revenues from tolls, investments and concession leases pay all operating and maintenance costs for the turnpikes and pay off the bonds issued to finance their construction.
To learn more about the plan, go to <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAyMjIuNTM4MjIwMDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LkFjY2Vzc09rbGFob21hLmNvbSJ9.wIZy78ckMTEgFattHAhQcGuQW2Rj2BCsu8CN_Fkql2U/s/861518908/br/126989691981-l" target="_blank">www.AccessOklahoma.com</a>.

Officials unveil first look at ACCESS Oklahoma turnpike plan

(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.) The Heartland Flyer will again meet the needs of football fans traveling south for the annual Red River Rivalry game between the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas.
Amtrak and Oklahoma Transportation are offering a special fare for football and Texas State Fair fans seeking a less expensive and more relaxing way to get there. A one-way ticket will cost only $27 on the Heartland Flyer between Oklahoma City and Dallas. Round trip tickets are $54 per person.
The Big Game Train leaves the Santa Fe Depot in Oklahoma City at 8:25 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 8 and arrives at 2 p.m. at Union Station in downtown Dallas. Fans can join the game train at any of the stops in Norman, Purcell, Pauls Valley, Ardmore, Gainesville, Texas and Fort Worth.
The Heartland Flyer returns Sunday, Oct. 10, leaving Dallas’ Union Station at 2:15 p.m. and arriving in Oklahoma City at 9:27 p.m.
Seating is limited, so book your trip soon at <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MDcuNDU1Njc0NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3Byb3RlY3QtdXMubWltZWNhc3QuY29tL3MvWmN6MUNZRVIyUHVXMWc0bVNHYmFUMj9kb21haW49YW10cmFrLmNvbSJ9.7iZIr_f1aEu5WYKBwByvevdpwH6jkxrio1TcpcbhXA4/s/861518908/br/111964451595-l">Amtrak.com/HeartlandFlyerBigGame</a> or by visiting Amtrak.com and use the promo code V573.

Heartland Flyer’s Big Game Train returns for Red River Rivalry in Dallas

(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.) A partnership including Oklahoma Transportation and the Association of Oklahoma General Contractors announced Friday is a first-in-the-nation effort for Oklahoma’s teen drivers to become “Work Zone Safe” by launching an online work zone driving safety course at the 2021 Oklahoma Traffic Safety Summit in Oklahoma City. 
A voluntary, free online course, <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA3MzEuNDM5NjQ3NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3dvcmt6b25lc2FmZS5jb20vIn0.mVAYhNkVPuRlu_TYlH-s39fY2uANRqkN9p1RMBsVIeI/s/861518908/br/110212209875-l">www.WorkZoneSafe.com</a>, is now available to Oklahoma teen drivers ages 15-18 that provides additional education on how to be a Work Zone Safe driver. The course highlights four key areas of work zone safety to ensure teen motorists are as prepared as possible to navigate these different highway situations. Those areas include the need to wear seat belts and to put away distractions, the meaning of various work zone signage, an overview of safe work zone practices, and reminders from highway workers and their families.
“Far too often the first time a new driver learns how to navigate a work zone is when they find themselves driving through one. We ask that Oklahoma’s teen drivers join us in this important effort to be a Work Zone Safe driver so that everyone makes it home safely,” said Oklahoma Transportation Chief Engineer Brian Taylor.
In the past five years, 83 motorists — including two highway workers — were killed in Oklahoma work zone crashes while 1,398 people were injured in more than 7,725 collisions statewide. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of teen fatalities in the United States.
<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA3MzEuNDM5NjQ3NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3dvcmt6b25lc2FmZS5jb20vIn0.8mQBL_3klU2J3rhxODuYv7cRFh9yj6QsIqXtlAVhHbs/s/861518908/br/110212209875-l">www.WorkZoneSafe.com</a> was created by Oklahoman Tom Robins, President of Solid Foundation Consulting as a program to engage teens on the importance of being a Work Zone Safe Driver while being rewarded for their commitment.
Oklahoma Transportation has contracted with Solid Foundation Consulting providing the funding to give Oklahoma teens the opportunity to participate in <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA3MzEuNDM5NjQ3NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3dvcmt6b25lc2FmZS5jb20vIn0.mpTNTfcsZ_b3vRlHXodoM5WWsXY3BuMRD8y0-UOKUI8/s/861518908/br/110212209875-l">www.WorkZoneSafe.com</a> and become Work Zone Safe Drivers.
Teens who successfully complete the course are entered each month by WorkZoneSafe.com to win a $500 Oklahoma 529 Educational Scholarship provided by the Association of Oklahoma General Contractors.
“The Association of Oklahoma General Contractors is excited to support this first-in-the-nation program with a monthly opportunity for Oklahoma’s teen drivers to win a $500 educational scholarship. Having new teen drivers learn how to be Work Zone Safe is a win for everyone who works and drives on Oklahoma’s roads,” said Bobby Stem, AOGC president.
Learn more and enroll to become a Work Zone Safe Driver at <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA3MzEuNDM5NjQ3NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3Lldvcmtab25lU2FmZS5jb20ifQ.uAAghIGTzBxe5lfOPl7tv0NAM36FV9JWiEPf87Gih98/s/861518908/br/110212209875-l">www.WorkZoneSafe.com</a>

Oklahoma Teen Drivers First in Nation to Participate in WorkZoneSafe.com

(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.) The Drive Oklahoma mobile travel app and its companion website now offer motorists an upgraded travel experience with the addition of several enhanced navigation tools and options to better check traffic on interstates, U.S. and state highways as well as Oklahoma turnpikes before venturing out.
Through a partnership of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, the Drive Oklahoma mobile app and <a href="https://www.oktraffic.org/" target="_blank">https://www.oktraffic.org/</a> provide several travel services such as real-time speed data, live traffic camera views of many Tulsa and Oklahoma City metro locations, Digital Message Sign information by location, real-time weather radar information and more. The updated versions of the app and website also offer a tutorial of the new features.
“Both ODOT and OTA are committed to improving motorists’ experience on our highways and turnpikes. Upgrading the Drive Oklahoma mobile app and the website puts more modern and user-friendly tools in drivers’ toolkits to help them achieve a safer trip each and every time they head out,” said Terri Angier, Oklahoma Transportation spokeswoman. “We encourage motorists to use these additional mobile app features to plan their routes before getting behind the wheel or ask their passengers to navigate for them.”
The mobile app debuted new branding, the name Drive Oklahoma and added real-time turnpike speed data in 2020. Now, just ahead of summer travel, additional upgrades include:
Press and hold on the map to enable Auto Tracking Mode, which automatically switches the view to the closest traffic camera as a motorist’s location changes. This also includes a swipe feature to see all available traffic camera angles at a location.
Mobile app and website users also may customize a favorite camera, digital message sign and map locations that they use most to be their default when opening either application.
New data overlays are included to provide an even more inclusive experience, including weather radar data. Electric vehicle charging station locations also have been added.
Navigation tools at the top of the map help users easily toggle among the various maps and features, including the map legend, menu options and links to surrounding state’s traveler information sites.
Users also may notice an improvement in the traffic camera images as new technology upgrades to the system allow a higher resolution livestream image.
And the mobile app now provides an area to report issues and feedback.
The new map legend also strives to make information more clear with new, easy-to-read symbols. One example is a dollar sign that highlights the state’s turnpikes to help denote when a motorist is moving onto a toll road. Also inside the app update are useful links to more highway safety information such as Oklahoma Transportation’s new, year-round safety initiative Make Safety Stick: Everybody Click.
Agreements with the Waze app add value by incorporating the self-reported Waze-user information into the Drive Oklahoma maps. This gives motorists even more real-time data on what could be ahead on the road such as construction or crashes. While this update includes multiple new enhancements to the mobile app and the website, the two agencies are committed to providing more information and features in the future.
“All of these tools are designed to help motorists reach their destination safely and more efficiently, however, we want to remind drivers that they are our No. 1 partner for highway safety,” Angier said. “Please check the Drive Oklahoma mobile app before getting behind the wheel and always put away all distractions and buckle up for a safe trip.”
Those who already have the Drive Oklahoma mobile app may hit update inside an app store to begin enjoying the new features. New users may download the app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

Drive Oklahoma mobile app navigates users to more real-time travel information

(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.) The 32nd annual Oklahoma TRASH-OFF is open for registration, part of a goal to keep Oklahoma alluring and free of litter as the state blooms into spring. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Keep Oklahoma Beautiful are once again partners for the event, which is part of the national three-month annual Great American Cleanup. TRASH-OFF is included in ODOT’s vision of eliminating litter on state highways and interstates.

TRASH-OFF is a statewide all-day event on April 17, and the Great American Cleanup is open to all communities and volunteers through May 31. To register for either event, groups, counties and individuals may join online at https://www.keepoklahomabeautiful.com/ or call 405-286-9141.

Oklahoma TRASH-OFF triumphantly returns after last year’s event was postponed due to the pandemic. Even with the closures, Keep Oklahoma Beautiful was able to partner with 49 Great American Cleanup community events in 2020. They had 3,405 participants who collected nearly 700,000 pounds of litter and cleaned 328 miles of roads, which is the distance from Oklahoma City to Boise City. Typically, year-long contributions save the state about $5 million a year in cleanup savings as a result of these volunteer efforts.

“We remain beyond grateful for the communities and volunteers that continue to support the cleaning of this beautiful state,” ODOT Beautification coordinator Melody Johnson said. “We look forward to seeing dedicated volunteers bring back the energy and passion in full force during our upcoming TRASH-OFF.”

Keep Oklahoma Beautiful provides TRASH-OFF supplies and promotional items to participants, including cash grants, trash bags and water donations, to participants. ODOT distributes the supplies to each of the 77 county maintenance yards where they are picked up by volunteers. This year’s participants are advised to use gloves at all times, keep proper distancing, mask up when around others, keep any children closely supervised and follow all state and local health guidelines when participating in the cleanup efforts.

Keep America Beautiful recognized ODOT and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority with the national 2020 State Agency Partnership Recognition Award for ODOT’s continued involvement with the Great American Cleanup. Both ODOT and OTA also earned this national honor in 2019.

Oklahoma’s Great American Cleanup is sponsored by ODOT, Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, OTA, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, OG&E, Waste Management and Oklahoma Beverage Association.

United States of America

Oklahoma’s spring cleaning returns for the 2021 TRASH-OFF

(GARVIN COUNTY, Okla.) Drivers on I-35 in southern Oklahoma should get ready to “zip” when merging to help improve safety and efficiency in a busy work zone in Garvin County. Beginning this week, speed sensors in the work zone where I-35 narrows to one lane at SH-19 (mm 72) in Pauls Valley will monitor the flow of traffic and adjust the merging method. When congestion begins to build, digital message signs will instruct drivers to continue using both lanes up to the merge point and then take turns merging – alternating between the left and right lanes – into a single lane. This will most likely occur during peak travel times like weekends and holidays.

It’s important to note that this Zipper Merge won’t be in effect at all times and that the new merging method won’t be used in every highway work zone statewide. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation will closely monitor how this first Zipper Merge on I-35 is working and may decide to implement more in the future.

While the Zipper Merge won’t eliminate all traffic tie-ups due to highway construction, the department expects the change to significantly improve the travel conditions on I-35 where implemented.

Unlike the more traditional early merge used in Oklahoma work zones, where all vehicles are directed to move into one lane well in advance of the closure, the Zipper Merge makes full use of the available roadway and helps reduce a long lines of traffic backing up in a single lane while the adjacent lane sits unused.

“The Zipper Merge has been used very successfully in other states nationwide and this location on I-35 in Pauls Valley will be our first test in an Oklahoma work zone,” ODOT Chief Engineer Brian Taylor said. “The Zipper Merge is a change from how many of us are used to merging in work zones, so this will be a learning process and a time to show other drivers some patience and grace.”

The late merge concept is commonly known as the “Zipper Merge” because the movement of two alternating lines of cars merging into one lane resembles the interlocking teeth of a zipper on a piece of clothing. The method has been generally well-received because it is intuitive and requires drivers to be cooperative, rather than competitive. A video produced by ODOT to explain the Zipper Merge can be found on the agency’s Vimeo webpage https://vimeo.com/odot/videos.

“I know it may be frustrating when we think someone is cutting in line on the highway, but the Zipper Merge method actually moves large volumes of traffic through a choke point more efficiently,” Taylor said. “If we can all be courteous and patient with other drivers, we all benefit.”

Until 2018, state law in Oklahoma required drivers in all highway work zones to merge a certain distance from the lane closure with “State Law, Merge Now” signs posted in construction areas as a reminder. While this method generally works well in less-congested work zones, a lane closure on a busy interstate like I-35 can become more problematic as large volumes of cars and commercial trucks all try to move into one lane as traffic quickly slows or even comes to a stop.

A recent change in state law now allows other work zone arrangements that meet national standards. This means the Zipper Merge can be used where appropriate but is not required in all work zones statewide. Drivers must continue to observe the signage in each work zone and merge as directed. Along with the flashing digital signs, orange work zone signs can also be used to alert drivers that a Zipper Merge is ahead and to direct traffic to use both lanes and take turns merging.

The $3.5 million project to rehabilitate the I-35 bridges over SH-19 in Pauls Valley began in spring 2020 and is being performed in two phases. The first phase included rehabilitation of the northbound bridge and was completed in late 2020 so the interstate could be fully open for holiday travel. The second phase to rehabilitate the southbound bridge is expected to continue through summer 2021. Silver Star Construction, of Moore, is the contractor on the job.
 
Digital message signs connected to real-time traffic sensors will direct drivers to use both lanes and perform a Zipper Merge where north and southbound I-35 narrow to one lane at SH-19 in Pauls Valley. While this is the first Zipper Merge used by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, it has been used successfully in many other states.