Weather and heavy rainfalls have extended the U.S. 81 construction project past its anticipated spring completion date, according to the most recent Oklahoma Department of Transportation update.

“At this point, we are looking at a June or July completion,” Jonathan Brooks, ODOT interim resident engineer, said.

The project includes complete reconstruction of the northbound lanes, less extensive pavement improvements on the southbound lanes, elimination of the median and addition of a center turn lane and signal improvements.

“We are completely reconstructing the northbound lanes down to the soil and strengthening the soil before rebuilding the pavement,” he said. “This, however, requires the appropriate weather for the soil treatment, which we have been unable to complete.

“Once we get the treatment down and paving begins, the folks driving on U.S. 81 will see more noticeable progress towards a better highway.

“Once the northbound is rebuilt, the work on the southbound will go quite quickly as we will just be treating the surface.”

The project was awarded to Duit Construction Company Inc. for just over $8.5 million.

Another $529,766 has been spent on rights-of-way and utility easements.