Commuter Alert: Major Lane Reductions on I-240 and I-40 for Monday, March 9

Monday Morning Traffic Overview

Oklahoma City commuters should prepare for a busy start to the work week this Monday, March 9, 2026. Several multi-phase construction projects are currently impacting major arteries, particularly in the south and west portions of the metro. Drivers are encouraged to allow for at least 15 to 20 minutes of extra travel time during the morning peak, as several interstate stretches have been reduced to two lanes with no available shoulders.

Major Highway and Interchange Projects

• I-240 & I-35 Interchange: As part of an ongoing multi-phase improvement project, I-240 remains narrowed to just two lanes at the I-35 junction. Commuters should be aware that lanes are significantly narrower than usual and lack emergency shoulders. Additionally, S.E. 74th St. and the I-240 service road are closed to through traffic between Eastern Ave. and Crossroads Blvd.
• I-40 Midwest City: Expect delays on I-40 between I-240 and Town Center Dr. The interstate is narrowed to two lanes in both directions. Furthermore, the southbound Douglas Blvd. ramp to eastbound I-40 is closed, requiring drivers to seek alternate routes through I-240 or N. 23rd St.
• I-44 at N.W. 10th St.: In the central metro, both the eastbound and westbound I-44 off-ramps to N.W. 10th St. remain closed for a city bridge rehabilitation project. These closures are expected to persist through the summer.
• West OKC & Canadian County: I-40 is narrowed to a single lane in both directions near the US-281 Spur west of El Reno for ongoing striping and maintenance operations.

Regional Roadworks and Surface Streets

Surface street construction is also heavy this Monday. In Northwest OKC, the northbound SH-74 (Lake Hefner Pkwy) off-ramp to N.W. Expressway is narrowed, with a temporary ramp currently in use. N.W. Expressway itself is narrowed to two lanes between the Parkway and N. Independence Ave.

On the east side, N.E. 23rd St. is restricted to one lane at Broadway Ave. for a long-term streetscape project. For those traveling from the west, SH-152 remains completely closed between Banner Rd. and Cemetery Rd. near Union City for total reconstruction; US-81 to I-40 is the recommended detour.

EMBARK Public Transport Alerts

Public transit riders using EMBARK should note several service disruptions affecting Route 007. Due to a recent water main break and ongoing maintenance, the following stops are temporarily closed:

• Stop #3794 (N. May Ave. @ N.W. 38th St., Inbound)
• Stop #69 (N.W. 36th St. @ N. May Ave., Outbound)
• Stop #3322 (N. Independence Ave. @ Smith Blvd.) on Routes 007 and 008 due to construction.

Commuters are advised to check the EMBARK mobile app for real-time tracking, as construction-related detours may cause minor delays on several north-south routes today.