Winter Storm Alert and Major I-44 Construction Impacting Friday Commute

Morning Commute Overview: Winter Storm Warning

Commuters in Oklahoma City should prepare for hazardous travel conditions this Friday, January 23, 2026. A significant winter storm system is moving into the region today, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures and a high probability of snow and ice during peak travel times. State officials have already issued advisories for motorists to delay non-essential travel if conditions deteriorate. Nearby transit systems have already begun suspending services, and while EMBARK remains operational, extreme caution is advised on all metro bridges and overpasses.

Major Highway and Arterial Disruptions

Significant construction projects continue to impact major arteries throughout the city. Commuters should account for the following long-term and immediate closures:

• I-44 & SH-152 (Airport Rd): Both eastbound and westbound SH-152 are narrowed between S.W. 44th St. and I-240. Additionally, the eastbound I-44 on-ramp from S.W. 74th St. is completely closed through late February for corridor widening.
• I-40 Midwest City: I-40 remains narrowed to two lanes in each direction between I-240 and Town Center Dr. The ramp from southbound Douglas Blvd. to eastbound I-40 is currently closed, with detours directed toward the new protected turnaround.
• N.E. 23rd St. / SH-66: Lanes are narrowed to one in each direction between N. Lee Ave. and N. Harvey Ave. due to a joint city-state construction project, expected to last through early February.
• I-35 Near Purcell: For those traveling south of the metro, be aware that northbound I-35 will be narrowed to a single lane intermittently starting at 7:00 p.m. this evening for safety device repairs.

EMARK Transit and Commuter Alerts

Public transportation users should check for specific schedule adjustments due to both construction and weather preparations. Notable changes for today include:

• Edmond 100X Commuter: The 4:15 p.m. departure from Edmond to Oklahoma City will not run today, Friday, January 23. Departure times are limited to 6:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
• Streetcar Service: The OKC Streetcar is currently operating under a free-fare pilot program, offering no-cost rides through July.
• Stop Closures: Construction has forced the temporary closure of stops along S. May Ave at S.W. 74th St. and the I-240 Service Road, affecting Routes 012, 013, and 13N.

Winter Driving Safety

With temperatures expected to stay near freezing, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) reminds drivers to maintain a safe following distance and avoid sudden braking. Use the Drive Oklahoma mobile app for real-time updates on road treatments and snow plow locations as the storm progresses throughout the afternoon.