Westbound I-40 Crosstown Traffic To Switch, OKC Ramps Change

Some big changes are coming to traffic in the downtown area if you travel on I-40.

The existing westbound I-40 traffic will shift to the new I-40 Crosstown on Sunday, February 19. When that happens, several of the on and off ramps will change including Robinson and Hudson Avenues.

Westbound I-40 Crosstown traffic has used Robinson Avenue as an exit and entrance to the Crosstown for almost 50 years. Once traffic is switched to the new westbound I-40 lanes, drivers will no longer be able to use the Robinson Avenue on-ramp. The Hudson Avenue on-ramp also will close permanently. The nearest on-ramps will be at Shields Blvd. and Western Avenue.

People who need to access I-40 from downtown or Bricktown events are encouraged to use Shields Ave. when leaving downtown.

ODOT officials say the best route for drivers going to the downtown or Bricktown areas is Robinson Avenue. The department has reopened all four lanes of north and southbound Robinson Avenue between S.W. 6th Street and S.W. 11th Street.

"We're hoping the advanced warning of upcoming changes with the downtown ramps will help drivers to plan their route changes and transition more easily," Division Engineer Paul Green said.

Last month ODOT officials opened the eastbound lanes of the new Crosstown.

1/25/2012 Related Story: State, City Leaders Celebrate Opening Of Crosstown Bridge In OKC

Access points for the new westbound and eastbound I-40 Crosstown:

NEW WESTBOUND I-40:

• on-ramp from Shields Blvd.

• off-ramp to Robinson Ave.

• on and off-ramps at Western Ave.

• off-ramp to Pennsylvania Ave.

• off-ramp to Agnew Ave.


NEW EASTBOUND I-40:

• off-ramp to Agnew Ave.

• on and off-ramps at Pennsylvania Ave.

• on and off-ramps at Western Ave.

• on and off-ramps at Shields Blvd.

View a map of the new I-40 Crosstown ramps and a detailed interactive route map!

To prepare for the switch, I-40 traffic will be narrowed to one lane between I-35 (Dallas Jct.) and I-44 (Amarillo Jct.) from 6 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All westbound I-40 on-ramps to the exiting Crosstown will be closed permanently during this time. Drivers should avoid the area and use I-44 or I-240 to bypass the Crosstown during this transition time. If you need to access the downtown area during this time, you should use I-235, Sheridan Avenue and other local roads.

Additional ramps will be available as construction progresses over the next two years. The flow of traffic on the new interstate is expected to hit its peak when construction is completed by 2014.