October 5, 2022
By News Director Jared Atha
Twenty years after the adoption of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s first Eight-Year Construction Work Plan, the Oklahoma Transportation Commission approved its newest update earlier this week.
Part of the plan will see work done in Washita County.
The Federal Fiscal Year 2023-2030 Eight-Year Construction Work Plan contains $8.4 billion worth of critically needed transportation improvement projects designed to improve the safety and reliability of Oklahoma’s highway network. For the first time in the plan’s 20 years, each plan year averages more than $1 billion in projects programmed across the state.
Also updated recently was the department’s Asset Preservation Plan for 2023-2026, which includes 330 projects valuing about $502 million worth of maintenance and preservation work to extend the life of the state’s highway infrastructure.
The 2023-2030 plan addresses 340 bridges currently at risk of becoming structurally deficient and targets 659 highway bridges for reconstruction or major rehabilitation. Altogether, the plan contains about 1,745 projects valued at more than $8.4 billion.
Notable projects added or advanced in the 2023-2030 Eight-Year Construction Work Plan include, among others, resurfacing, adding shoulders and bridge rehab on SH-55 between Sentinel and Rocky in Washita County.
Coinciding with the plan’s 20th anniversary, a new, user-friendly website will help Oklahomans more easily find projects that will affect them.
The new website, available on the ODOT homepage at www.odot.org, allows users to easily locate projects and related information of interest to them. Projects can be sorted by ODOT field district, by Construction Work Plan projects, Asset Preservation Plan Projects or by plan year.
Got a news tip? Send it in: Email news@kecofm.com
Copyright 2022 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 — Brandon Culver
Santa’s Christmas Hero, Brandon Culver, has one of the biggest hearts you will ever find. If he hears that someone is in need, he will stop whatever he is doing to help. He would truly give the shirt off his back without hesitation.
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 — Jon & Trina VanBuren
Santa’s Christmas Heroes, Jon and Trina VanBuren, are known for their generous hearts and constant dedication to helping those in need.
Amazon Plans 30,000 Square Foot Delivery Station in Weatherford Industrial Park
Weatherford, OK – Plans are moving forward for a new Amazon delivery facility in Weatherford, a development local leaders say will strengthen the area’s economy and create new employment opportunities. The company will build a 30,000 square
Last Call for Christmas in the Park Activities This Saturday Night in Elk City
Elk City, OK – Christmas in the Park is winding down, and this Saturday night, December 20, is your last chance to enjoy all the weekend activities in Elk City’s Ackley Park. The Christmas light display will
Texas AG Sues Xcel Energy Over Wildfire That Reached Western Oklahoma
Austin, TX – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Xcel Energy, alleging the utility’s negligence caused the 2024 Smokehouse Creek Fire, which burned more than one million acres in Texas and spread into
Elk City Celebrates Opening of New Airport Hangar and Terminal
Elk City, OK — City officials, state leaders, and community members gathered at the Elk City Municipal Airport today to celebrate the ribbon cutting of a new aircraft hangar and terminal building, marking a major milestone in
Two Injured in Late-Night Single-Vehicle Crash in Rural Custer County
Thomas, OK – A single vehicle injury collision was reported late Monday night in rural Custer County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The crash occurred on December 15, 2025, at approximately 10:06 pm in a wheat
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 — Rose Werth
Santa’s Christmas Hero, Rose Werth has selflessly volunteered her time to run the food bank at St. Matthew Catholic Church for nearly 20 years.
Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents Announces Resignation of SWOSU President Dr. Diana Lovell
Weatherford, OK – The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board of Regents today announced that Dr. Diana Lovell has submitted her resignation as President of Southwestern Oklahoma State University, effective December 31, 2025. RUSO and SWOSU
Two Contraband Incidents Detected at Beckham County Jail
Sayre, OK – Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning says heightened security measures at the Beckham County Jail led to two separate contraband incidents being detected last week, preventing illegal items from entering the facility. Sheriff Manning said
Wellington Woman Placed on Probation in Childress County Theft Case
Childress County, TX – Three pleas were entered Monday, December 8, in the 100th Judicial District Court in Childress County. Luke Inman, District Attorney for the 100th Judicial District, along with Assistant District Attorney Harley Caudle, prosecuted
PSO Brings Free LED Light Bulbs to Local Food Pantries Across Western Oklahoma
Tulsa, OK – Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) is helping families in Western Oklahoma save energy and money through its Shine a Light Project, delivering free LED light bulbs to food pantries in communities including Elk
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 — Bob Carr
Santa’s Christmas Hero, Bob Carr is a hero to the Brownfield family because of his selfless kindness and willingness to help, time and time again.
Weatherford Bridge Project Earns Top Statewide Honor from Contractors Group
Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s Monday, Dec. 8 meeting opened with statewide recognition for a major western Oklahoma project, as the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s District 5 received one of the industry’s highest honors
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 – Abby Daniels
Santa’s Christmas Hero, Abby Daniels. She is selfless, compassionate, and driven to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 – Ashley Meadows
Santa’s Christmas Hero, Ashley Meadows. She is the heart behind Dream League, a program that gives mentally and physically challenged athletes the chance to play baseball in a fun, welcoming environment. The joy on the players’ faces says it all.
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 – Kole Sander
Santa’s Christmas Hero, Kole Sander. He serves as an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper and is known for his dedication and work ethic. He puts in long hours and makes daily sacrifices to keep Oklahomans safe.
Elk City Man Charged After Investigators Say He Sold Trafficking Amounts of Fentanyl-Laced Pills
Elk City, OK – A man living in Elk City is facing a felony drug trafficking charge after a controlled purchase at his home led to the discovery of pills containing a fentanyl precursor and methamphetamine, according
Washita County Sheriff’s Office Receives Grant for Speed Reduction and High-Visibility Enforcement Campaign
Cordell, OK – The Washita County Sheriff’s Office has received a National Highway Safety Grant to support a speed reduction awareness and high-visibility enforcement campaign aimed at reducing speeding-related crashes. Through the “Speeding Slows You Down” initiative,
Oklahoma Approves Construction of Specialized Hangar for Dawn Aerospace Spaceplane at Burns Flat
Burns Flat, OK – Oklahoma’s commission responsible for advancing the state’s space industry finalized a deal this week to construct a hangar for a $17 million spaceplane. The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission approved construction
NTSB Releases Preliminary Report on Weatherford Ammonia Leak
Weatherford, OK – The National Transportation Safety Board has released its preliminary findings on the anhydrous ammonia leak that struck Weatherford on the night of November 12, an incident that injured dozens, forced large evacuations, and has
Arrest Made After Online Predator Investigation in Elk City
Elk City, OK – Elk City Police arrested a man following an online predator investigation that began December 6 at a convenience store on the east side of the city. Officers were notified about an adult male,
Santa’s Christmas Heroes
About KECO 96.5FM is spotlighting locals who do selfless good. Winners receive a $250 prize from a KECO sponsor. We announce on air and share photos on the KECO Facebook page. How it works Pick a nominee,
SWOSU to Host 2025 Fall Commencement Ceremony on December 12
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the upcoming 2025 Fall Commencement Ceremony, scheduled for Friday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m. in the Pioneer Event Center. The event will honor the academic accomplishments of
Friends of the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum Receive $71,000 Grant to Restore Glancy Motor Hotel Sign
Clinton, OK — The Friends of the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton were recently awarded a $71,505 grant from the Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program to help restore and display the iconic Glancy Motor Hotel neon
