Construction of the I 35 and U.S. 77 Interchange is complete and open to traffic as of July 15!

As part of the ongoing Master Plan Design for the I 35 Corridor Widening Project in Norman, Oklahoma, CDR developed conceptual aesthetics for the U.S. 77 Interchange, which were cast using our sister company’s form liners. (Please visit Creative Form Liners’ website for more information.)

U.S. 77 Interchange illustrates Oklahoma’s Cross Timbers ecoregion, which is comprised mostly of prairies, savanna, and light woodland. Aesthetic treatments for this bridge include stylized mixed grasses affecting the wing walls, wrapping around the piers, and also spanning the parapet.  Commuters driving toward this bridge will also be able to spot the official state bird, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, flying low above the grass blades represented on the piers and wing walls.  Overall staining for the bridge uses a cream base to catch sunlight and maximize shadows cast by the two-inch reliefs, while the beams supporting the deck are stained an earthen red color.

Despite being brought on only weeks before the project let, CDR’s designs were able to be completed and implemented so quickly that the project finished ahead of schedule.

For press coverage regarding this project, please view “US 77 overpass opens early” written by M. Scott Carter for The Norman Transcript.