SH-39 Corridor Improvements

The SH-39 corridor between the Cleveland County line and US-177 required modernization to address narrow shoulders, aging bridge structures, and corridor geometry that no longer met current roadway standards. As part of a Rural 3R corridor enhancement, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation initiated improvements to widen the roadway, resurface pavement, and replace bridge structures while maintaining traffic along this east–west route.

Guernsey provided complete roadway and bridge design services for the corridor improvements, coordinating roadway widening, pavement resurfacing, structural upgrades, and drainage modifications within a unified design package.

Maintaining Traffic During Reconstruction

Maintaining traffic along SH-39 during construction was a key project requirement. The design incorporated temporary shoo-fly detours north of the existing alignment, allowing traffic to shift away from active construction areas while roadway and bridge improvements were completed.

This approach allowed bridge replacements and roadway reconstruction to proceed without full closures along the corridor.

Bridge and Drainage Improvements

The project included replacement of three bridge box structures and the extension of an additional structure to accommodate the widened roadway section.

Hydrology and hydraulic analysis informed drainage modifications throughout the corridor. Design refinements ensured headwalls were placed within the roadway clear zone while maintaining proper drainage performance.

Corridor Widening and Safety Improvements

The completed design established a 40-foot clear roadway section with full shoulders, improving roadway geometry and corridor safety.

Additional improvements included:

• Shoulder widening and pavement resurfacing
• Vertical alignment improvements along the corridor
• A dedicated turn lane at the SH-102 intersection
• Drainage extensions and grading modifications supporting the widened roadway section

Guernsey delivered the complete Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) package, coordinating roadway, structural, drainage, and traffic control design to support construction.

Strengthening the SH-39 Corridor

The project modernizes the SH-39 corridor while replacing aging bridge structures and improving roadway geometry along the route. The coordinated roadway and structural design allowed improvements to proceed while maintaining traffic along this important east–west connection in Pottawatomie County.