District 3: Road and Bridge Report

Don Hawthorne, County Commissioner

Because winter is upon us, and the past several winters have been fairly mild, we have not used much sand. However, several weeks ago we renewed our stock pile of sand and Road Foreman Kenny Kinder, mechanic Wayne Cassell, and the crew had the sand trucks loaded in the warm barn and ready to roll for the past weekend snow.

T&G Construction, Inc. was the low bidder on our Meers-Porter Hill Road project; they will be laying down a 2-inch asphalt overlay. Our road crew has spent the past several weeks repairing the bad spots which will make the road smoother after the overlay is put down. This project will start at Meers and end at S.H. 58. The Comanche Nation Transportation Department will reimburse the County for the cost.

We appreciate Director Adrian Tehauno and his staff for their cooperation in funding these important projects that will make for better roads for all the citizens of Comanche County.

Kenny and I also met with the Comanche Nation Transportation Director, Adrian Tehauno, and his staff, and the mayors and superintendents of Indiahoma/Indiahoma PS and Chattanooga/Chattanooga PS regarding the paving of roads and parking lots around the schools. These and other schools in the County, and adjacent counties, will be part of the Comanche Nation's 3-5 year plan.

We had the final close out inspection of the bridge on Airport Road. There are a number of items, including putting up the fence, still to be done. This bridge was scheduled to be built in 2016, but there were delays in getting approval from BIA to acquire more right of way, change order, weather, and contractor delays. Had the bridge been completed on schedule in July, we had planned to resurface Airport Road from Cache Road to Lee Blvd.

Several months ago, we had the final close out on the bridge over Post Oak Creek on Bishop Road. However, the heavy rains last month revealed a drainage problem from the adjacent land causing the road to flood. We met with the bridge engineer and ODOT to address the problem and develop a solution. Because the bridge construction was under the projected cost, some of the additional cost will be covered from those funds.

The road crew recycled Woodlawn Road between 82nd and 67th Streets. This road was oiled and chipped because of the traffic to the golf course. Because it is no longer in business, the road will now remain gravel. The crew also recycled a half mile of Post Oak Road south of Tinney Road. This will be oiled and chipped next summer.

We graded the road going to the parking lot at the Field House and we hauled a load of sand to the Indiahoma FFA show barn. We also removed dirt from the Fairground's Coliseum after the recent stock show.

This is my last report. I am thankful for the dedicated and skilled men and women who work at the District 3 County Barn and for their hard work. I have enjoyed my associations with the other elected officials and others who carry out their responsibilities at the courthouse. I appreciate the assistance and help of the Comanche Nation Department of Transportation, ODOT engineers, and the Circuit Engineer District 6 coordinators. I am truly blessed by the many friendships I have made over the last eight years. It has been a great experience! Thanks for the ride.

If you have questions or concerns, I can be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or you may phone the county Barn at 580-429-3217 or the Courthouse office at 580-353-3717.