Oklahoma Department of Transportation
Cultural Resources Program

"The mission of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is to provide a safe, economical and effective transportation network for the people, commerce and communities of Oklahoma."

As ODOT continues to provide safe and efficient transportation system through the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of roads and bridges, ODOT's cultural resources program reviews those projects that receive federal aid to ensure compliance with federal and state environmental laws.  These laws require consideration and/or protection of historic properties in the development of ODOT's federally-funded projects.

In order to ensure that historic properties are identified and considered, ODOT consults with the Oklahoma SHPO, federally recognized Native American Tribes, and local, state, and national groups who may be interested in cultural resources affected by transportation projects.   

Key CULTURAL RESOURCE projects

Ongoing projects

Route 66 Ribbon Road

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), in cooperation with the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) and Ottawa County proposes roadway improvements to a 3.6-mile, zigzagging stretch of roadway along E Street SW, County Road (CR) EW-130, CR NS-540, and CR EW-140 in Ottawa County, Oklahoma (known as the Route 66 Ribbon Road, northern segment). This work is needed to restore the original character of this historic road, improve poor roadway conditions, and reduce traffic on the original nine-foot-wide pavement section.  Information for this project is available here.

SH-66 Bird Creek Bridge in Catoosa

ODOT is considering improvements to the crossing of SH-66 over Bird Creek. Information for this project, including a comment form, is available here.

US-70 Bridge over Lake Texoma

ODOT is considering improvements to the historic bridge carryimg US-70 over Lake Texoma.  The purpose of the project is to provide a safe crossing along US-70 over Lake Texoma that accommodates current and future traffic demand; the need for this project is to correct safety shortcomings resulting from a structurally deficient bridge that has sub-standard roadway width and insufficient vertical clearance.  Information for this project is available upon request.
ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT HAS BEEN COMPLETED FOR THESE STRUCTURES

US-281 CANADIAN RIVER:
​Bridgeport Bridge

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  • ODOT has been awarded a BUILD Grant from USDOT to complet ethis project.  The Environmental Document is complete and the project is scheduled to let for construction in November 2021. Information for this project is available here.

I-40B over UPAC Rail
​El reno, Canadian county

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  • ODOT has completed the environmental study and the plans for the referenced bridge, which is an alignment of Route 66 leading into El Reno.  The bridge is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.  ODOT will replace the structure, but will include context sensitive design in the new bridge.  To review the consultation for the project, please click here. 
  • To review the plans, please click the plan sheet below.
SH-66B CAPTAIN CREEK
WELLSTON, LINCOLN COUNTY
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  • ODOT has completed a design analysis for the SH-66B over Captain Creek bridge near Wellston on historic Route 66.  The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  ODOT will rehabilitate the structure.  Section 106 consultation is available here.