Oklahoma
$95M in IIJA Funds to Restart Long-Stalled Oklahoma Highway Project
While stalled for more than a year while the Oklahoma Dept. of Transportation awaits additional funding, a $153-million Tulsa elevated highway project stuck in the earliest stages of construction has become a punching bag of witty social media posts by area motorists.
At a standstill after contractors—including Sherwood Cos.—completed the first phase of the five-phase Interstate 44 and Highway 75 interchange project, with just the beginnings of its concrete structural components in place, the stalled site has inspired monikers such as Oklahoma’s Stonehenge and Traffic Henge.
State transportation officials say the project’s schedule called for a year-long “holding pattern” while waiting for additional funding and to complete utility relocation and approval of rights of way. According to various local media reports, the project’s completion date has changed several times, but ODOT officials now say construction will recommence around November.
Meanwhile, the project has been the focus of numerous social media posts, including one 16-second TikTok video that received more than half a million views and 15,000 likes. The video narrator calls the project “the under pass that never happened” and suggests ODOT turn it into an art exhibit. Other comments joke that it’s “an invisible highway,” or that it should be turned into a tourist attraction.
The next phase of the highway build will receive $95 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to complete the next three phases. ODOT says federal funding would complete three of the four remaining phases. This is $10 million more than the state originally expect in funding.
A spokesperson for ODOT told local media that bidding will begin soon with a completion date aimed for Q4 2027.
“The next phase will take years,” the spokesperson said. ENR reached out to ODOT but the agency did not respond.
The upcoming phase includes finishing the flyover ramps, but also making improvements to I-44 along the Arkansas River, a new walking bridge under Highway 75 and reconnecting west Tulsa neighborhoods divided by the highway. Additional lanes will be added to both roadways.
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma House of Representatives has approved House Resolution 1054, designating April 2026 as Library Month in Oklahoma.
The resolution was filed by Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa, and recognizes the role libraries play in supporting education, workforce development, access to technology and community engagement across the state.
April 29 was also observed as Library Day at the Capitol, hosted by McCane in partnership with the Oklahoma Libraries Association and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. The event provided an opportunity for residents, library professionals and lawmakers to connect and discuss the impact of library services.
“I am so excited to host the first ever Library Day at the Capitol to help advocate for our libraries and library staff,” McCane said. “Together, we can ensure that libraries continue to thrive and serve as vital resources for generations to come.”
State officials emphasized that libraries serve as critical community resources, offering educational programming, workforce support and access to information. They also highlighted libraries as “third places,” providing spaces for community interaction outside of home and work.
Library representatives from across Oklahoma participated in the event, showcasing programs such as early literacy initiatives and STEM education opportunities, particularly in rural areas.
Officials said the designation and event aim to raise awareness of the role libraries play in improving literacy, supporting communities and expanding access to resources statewide.
SAYRE, Okla. (KOKH) — The Beckham County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to be on the lookout for Barry Christian, who went missing on Tuesday.
The Sheriff’s Office said Christian’s last known contact was yesterday, after he failed to appear for a scheduled meeting, and his current whereabouts are unknown.
Christian is described as a 54-year-old white male, approximately 6 ft tall and 230 lbs with blue eyes and grey hair.
Authorities said Christian is believed to be driving a charcoal gray 2024 Ram pickup.
Oklahoma Senate District 38 candidate Barry Christian reported missing in Beckham County
If you have any information on Christian’s whereabouts, please contact your local law enforcement agency immediately or call the Sayre Police Department at 580-928-2122.
Christian is currently a candidate for Oklahoma Senate District 38.
Christian is currently running for a seat in the Oklahoma Senate.
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OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — A former Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper accused of raping and sexually assaulting a woman during a traffic stop has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Court records show Jarqez Evans is charged with first-degree rape and forcible oral sodomy in connection with a traffic stop in January 2025.
READ MORE: Oklahoma trooper arrested for sexual assault after alleged traffic stop incident
The incident reportedly happened when Evans stopped a vehicle at S.E. 29th and S. High Avenue. The victim told investigators that Evans told her she could follow him down the street or go to jail for driving under suspension and without insurance.
After following Evans to S.E. 31st and High, Evans entered the victim’s front passenger seat. The victim then drove further south and parked.
Officials said at that point, Evans allegedly unzipped his pants and instructed the victim to perform a sex act on him. He then asked the woman to bend over, at which point he allegedly sexually assaulted her.
READ MORE: Dash cam: former Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper charged with rape after traffic stop
Then, Evans returned to his vehicle without issuing any citations to the victim.
The victim reported the sexual assault to the Oklahoma City Police Department.
Officers collected evidence before handing over the investigation to OHP’s Criminal Investigations Section.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said it received the complaint and placed Evans on administrative leave shortly afterward.
Following an investigation, Evans was arrested and his employment was terminated.
“The Oklahoma Highway Patrol values the trust placed in us by the citizens we serve,” OHP said in a statement. “When that trust is called into question, we take appropriate action in accordance with our policies and the law, regardless of position or rank.”
On Wednesday, Evans pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment.
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The case moved to a pretrial conference, set for August, and his bail was listed at $100,000.
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