ODOT Hosting Virtual Meeting on Highway 82 Road Project

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) is hosting a virtual open house and public meeting through Oct. 19 to provide updates on a proposed road improvement project on State Highway 82 between Blackgum in Sequoyah County to just north of the Cherokee County line.

Because of COVID-19 precautions, this presentation is a web-based public viewing format with no in-person meetings scheduled. Members of the public can visit www.odot.org/sh82/sequoyah to view a presentation, map, video and other materials about the proposal and submit their comments through Oct. 19. Those without internet access can contact the ODOT Environmental Programs Division at 200 NE 21st St., Suite 3-D2a, Oklahoma City 73105, or call (405) 325-3269.

District 2 County Commissioner Steve Carter said Monday that he is “excited” about the project, which will lessen sharp curves along the route, add shoulders along the roadside and more.

The current roadway is narrow with steep slopes, sharp curves and limited sight distance in some areas. The project would improve the safety and traffic flow for three miles of Highway 82 on sections of the current alignment and also on a new, offset alignment. The new highway configuration would be wider with shoulders, and there would be a new bridge at Snake Creek.

The project is currently scheduled to bid out in FY 2023, Carter said, and he wants people to be aware of the project. He said ODOT will work tirelessly to make the new road as safe as possible for travelers along that stretch of highway. “I can’t say enough good things about ODOT,” Carter said.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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