ODOT to cover cost of City utility relocations

June 9, 2021

Relocations are needed for bridge realignment project

This graphic shows the proposed bridge alignment along Delaware Avenue, a project planned by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has agreed to pay for the relocation of City water and sanitary sewer facilities necessary to facilitate road and bridge improvements for State Highway 123 over the Caney River.

The City Council this week approved a service agreement with Wall Engineering for engineering services for the relocation.

“The proposed ODOT project includes a new bridge alignment crossing the Caney River along Delaware,” said Water Utilities Director Terry Lauritsen. “ODOT’s policy for this type of project is to require all utilities to be relocated outside of the proposed roadway, which requires a substantial amount of sanitary sewer and water line relocation.”

Lauritsen said City staff requested and ODOT agreed to pay for both the engineering design ($107,200) and the construction of the water and sanitary sewer improvements (estimated to be $869,012).

“To expedite the design services, ODOT has requested the City contract with Wall Engineering,” Lauritsen said. “ODOT will pay Wall Engineering directly based on invoices approved by the City, thus the City will not incur any expense on the project.”

The above graphic shows the proposed bridge alignment along Delaware Avenue, a project planned by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.