After more than a month of traffic detours and restricted access, eastbound U.S. Highway 62 near Highway 75 in Okmulgee is expected to reopen by Friday, according to information provided to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) by railroad maintenance crews.

The eastbound lanes of the highway were closed on May 22 following damage to a railroad bridge that crosses the highway just east of the U.S. 75 junction. As a safety precaution, officials shut down eastbound traffic from U.S. 75 to the area near the Okmulgee hospital while repair work got underway.

Westbound traffic on U.S. 62 has remained open throughout the closure.

To accommodate eastbound travelers, a detour was established directing motorists to use the U.S. 56 Loop to regain access to eastbound U.S. 62 beyond the affected area. The detour has added extra travel time and caused some inconvenience, especially for local residents and hospital-bound drivers.

Railroad crews have been working in coordination with ODOT to complete necessary repairs to the bridge structure. With the work nearing completion, the highway is now projected to fully reopen to two-way traffic by the end of the week, restoring normal traffic flow for the first time in over a month.

Drivers are encouraged to remain alert in the area and watch for any remaining construction or signage as the reopening date approaches.