Expect Major Delays on I-44 and Transit Disruptions Across OKC This Saturday

Weekend Traffic and Commute Overview

Drivers and commuters in Oklahoma City should prepare for significant travel disruptions this Saturday, January 24, 2026. A combination of major interstate rehabilitation projects, local intersection overhauls, and public transport service changes will impact several high-traffic corridors across the metro area. Additionally, transit users should be aware of service suspensions due to regional weather forecasts.

Interstate and Highway Alerts

The most substantial impact this weekend is on Interstate 44 in southwest Oklahoma City. As part of a multi-week bridge rehabilitation project near the Will Rogers World Airport area, eastbound I-44 is currently reduced to a single lane near Southwest 74th Street. Commuters should expect heavy congestion and should consider using Airport Road or State Highway 152 as alternates.

• I-35 / I-240 Interchange: The "Crossroads of America" project continues to necessitate narrow lanes. I-240 is restricted to two lanes at the I-35 junction with no available shoulders. Note that the northbound I-35 off-ramp to eastbound I-240 has been shifted further south.
• I-44 at NW 10th St: All ramps connecting I-44 to NW 10th Street remain closed for long-term construction. Travelers are advised to use NW 23rd Street or Reno Avenue to bypass this zone.
• I-40 in Del City: Nightly lane narrowings continue between Meridian Avenue and May Avenue for bridge paving.

Local Roadworks and Detours

Construction is not limited to the interstates. Several suburban arteries are facing constraints that will slow down local errands and weekend travel:

• Edmond: The intersection of Danforth Road and Kelly Avenue is restricted to one lane in each direction as intersection improvements continue through the spring.
• Moore: SE 4th St (SH-37) remains completely closed to through traffic between Broadway Avenue and Tower Drive due to an ongoing railroad bridge replacement project.
• South OKC: Construction at S May Avenue and SW 74th Street has resulted in localized lane shifts and transit stop closures.

Public Transport and Transit Alerts

Citylink has announced that it will not be in service this Saturday, January 24, due to impending weather conditions. Passengers who typically rely on Citylink for regional travel should seek alternative transportation. Within Oklahoma City, EMBARK transit users should note that several stops along S May Avenue (including stops #944 and #1951) are closed due to active construction on routes 012 and 013.

On a more positive note, the OKC Streetcar remains free to all riders this Saturday as part of a six-month pilot program aimed at boosting downtown mobility. This is an excellent option for those heading to events at the Civic Center or Tower Theatre to avoid downtown parking congestion.

Major Event Traffic

Expect localized heavy traffic in the Downtown and Midtown areas due to several scheduled performances. The Civic Center Music Hall is hosting Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," and the Tower Theatre will see crowds for a MANIA tribute concert. The Metro Library Craft Fest at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library is also expected to increase pedestrian activity and traffic near Hudson Avenue throughout the afternoon.