Oklahoma City drivers, get ready for big changes at May Avenue and Northwest Expressway. Starting Tuesday, May 26, construction crews will begin replacing the May Avenue bridge over NW Expressway.
This $15 million project is a partnership between the City of Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and is expected to take around two years to finish.
Big Changes for Traffic
As construction begins, the northbound May Avenue ramp will close. The southbound ramp will also close at times when crews need space to work safely. Traffic patterns will change in several phases during the project.
Drivers should expect temporary lane closures, narrower lanes, and detours on both May Avenue and NW Expressway. Sometimes, traffic will be moved onto temporary lanes while crews work on paving, drainage, and bridge construction.
New Diverging Diamond Interchange
One of the biggest updates will be a new diverging diamond interchange. This design helps traffic flow more smoothly and safely. It reduces backups and makes it easier for drivers to enter and exit the highway.
Other improvements include:
- New ramps for easier access
- Updated traffic signals
- Better street lighting
- Upgrades to make the area look and function better
Funding for the Project
The project is funded through an Association of Central Oklahoma Governments grant, the City’s 2017 bond program, and Street Development Fees. Drivers can stay updated on lane closures and construction schedules at vision.okc.gov.
History and Previous Plans
The bridge collapsed on May 19, 2016, when a semi-truck carrying a tall load hit it. The Oklahoma City Fire Department said the truck’s boom lift was too tall, causing the collapse.
In 2023, city officials began planning to improve the bridge. They considered different designs to replace it, improve traffic flow, increase safety, and add pedestrian access. By 2025, community input helped shape what the new bridge would include.
