Heavy Delays on Eastbound I-44 and I-240 Interchange Construction Updates

Morning Commute Overview

Commuters in the Oklahoma City metro area should prepare for significant travel times this Thursday, January 22, 2026, as several major highway projects reach critical phases. The most substantial impacts are currently centered on the southwest and southeast corridors, where multi-year infrastructure improvements are narrowing lanes and closing key access ramps. Traffic is expected to be particularly heavy during peak morning hours for those traveling from the Tri-City area and those heading toward Will Rogers World Airport.

Major Construction & Roadwork Alerts

• I-44 / SH-152 (Airport Road): Eastbound I-44 is currently narrowed to a single lane near SW 74th St. This final phase of the corridor widening project has also resulted in the closure of the eastbound I-44 on-ramp from 74th St. ODOT officials expect these restrictions to remain in place through late February. Motorists should anticipate sudden braking and heavy congestion in the northbound lanes approaching the airport interchange.
• I-240 and I-35 Interchange: As part of a multi-phase interchange improvement project, I-240 remains narrowed to two lanes in both directions at the I-35 junction. Drivers are reminded that there are currently no shoulders in this zone. Additionally, the SE 74th St. service road is closed to through traffic between Eastern Ave. and Crossroads Blvd., and will remain so through the spring.
• I-40 at Douglas Blvd: In Midwest City, I-40 is restricted to two lanes in each direction between I-240 and Town Center Dr. due to ongoing bridge and ramp work. The southbound Douglas Blvd. access to eastbound I-40 is currently closed. Commuters are encouraged to use I-240 or US-62 as alternative routes to avoid the construction zone.
• NE 23rd St / SH-66: Roadwork in partnership with the City of Oklahoma City has narrowed NE 23rd St. to one lane in each direction between N. Lee Ave. and N. Harvey Ave. This narrowing is scheduled to persist through early February.

Public Transport & City Announcements

For those looking to avoid the highway congestion, EMBARK is currently operating a six-month free fare pilot program on the OKC Streetcar. All rides on the streetcar are free of charge today and will remain so through July 5, 2026, to support downtown mobility and economic activity. Meanwhile, visitors to the Bricktown area should note that the Bricktown Canal is currently being drained and cleaned, a process that began earlier this week and is expected to continue for another three weeks.

Commuter Recommendations

Given the heavy congestion on eastbound I-44, travelers heading to the airport are advised to allow at least 20 extra minutes for their commute or utilize surface streets like S. May Ave. for north-south travel. In the I-240 construction zone, strictly observe the posted speed limits, as the lack of shoulders provides zero margin for error during high-volume periods. Public transit users should check the EMBARK app for real-time bus arrival data, though streetcar service remains on its standard schedule despite the ongoing canal maintenance nearby.