Wednesday Commute: Caution Advised for Black Ice and Major Construction Projects

Morning Safety and Road Conditions

Oklahoma City commuters are urged to exercise extreme caution this morning, Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Following the recent winter weather, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) has issued warnings regarding black ice and refreezing. While many highway driving lanes on major arteries such as I-35 and I-40 are appearing clear, hazardous icy patches remain a significant threat. These patches are most prevalent on overpasses, bridges, and shaded areas that do not receive direct morning sunlight. Drivers should expect conditions that look wet but are actually thin layers of transparent ice.

Maintenance crews remain active across the metro area, treating slick spots and clearing shoulders. If you encounter a salt or plow truck, please maintain a following distance of at least 200 feet to allow them space to work. Motorists are encouraged to build in extra travel time and avoid using cruise control, as sudden traction loss on icy patches can lead to multi-vehicle accidents.

Ongoing Construction and Closures

Beyond the weather-related hazards, several major corridor projects continue to impact traffic flow throughout the city:

• I-44 Corridor: Eastbound I-44 is currently narrowed to a single lane at SW 74th St. for a widening project. Additionally, the on-ramp from 74th St. to northbound I-44 remains closed through late February.
• Bridge Projects: Ramps for I-44 at NW 10th St. are closed in both directions. This closure is expected to last through summer 2026 as part of a city-led bridge rehabilitation project.
• I-240 and I-35 Interchange: Significant delays should be expected at this junction. I-240 is restricted to two lanes in each direction. Local drivers should note that the SE 74th St./I-240 Service Road is closed to through traffic between Eastern Avenue and Crossroads Boulevard.
• SH-152 (Airport Rd): Traffic is narrowed between SW 44th St. and I-240. Commuters heading toward Will Rogers World Airport should allow for an additional 10-15 minutes of travel time.
• NE 23rd St (SH-66): This roadway is narrowed to one lane in each direction between N. Lee Ave. and N. Harvey Ave. for ongoing utility and street improvements.

Public Transit and City Service Updates

EMBARK has officially activated Level 2 Winter Weather Detours for today, Wednesday, January 28. This affects OKC bus routes, the RAPID NW line, and Norman bus services. Riders are encouraged to check the official transit mobile app for real-time tracking, as many routes are utilizing primary snow routes and bypassing neighborhood hills to ensure passenger safety. The OKC Transit Center customer service window is also operating on a slightly reduced schedule.

Additionally, residents should be aware that trash and recycling collection originally scheduled for Monday, January 26, was rescheduled for today. Please ensure carts are placed at the curb early, though delays may occur as collection vehicles navigate slick side streets. Finally, Oklahoma City Municipal Court sessions for today have been canceled due to the potential for icy street conditions.