A number of measures are being undertaken by the Department to protect the environment during construction of the new I-40 Crosstown.

Each construction contract will have instructions stipulating that construction equipment must be operated and maintained in such a way as to minimize equipment noise.

Each construction contract will also include provisions requiring the use of water to keep down the amount of dust that blows off of the project area. 

All construction projects will also include a storm water pollution prevention plan that details erosion control measures.  These measures ensure that rainfall will not wash significant amounts of dirt off of the project and into the nearby creeks and lakes.

Each set of construction plans also contains directions for the contractor regarding the discovery of any historic bones or artifacts and the proper actions for the state inspectors and contractors to take after finding such items.

Efforts have been made to appropriately locate and document all known waste sites in the construction zone.  The Department performed a series of records searches regarding the historical uses of the properties as well as records of known contaminated sites in the area of construction.  In addition, the Department has conducted an Initial Site Assessment of Hazardous Material Conditions, and a modified Phase I Environmental Site Assessment which took samples at a significant number of boring sites throughout the corridor. A series of notes will be included in all construction plans regarding the discovery of unknown hazardous or contaminated substances.  These notes will direct the contractors on-site regarding potential indicators of contamination and steps to take regarding protection of the health and safety of their employees, the public, and the environment.

Lowering the level of the roadbed was consciously chosen in order to reduce impacts to the nearby residential area.  The OKC Planning Commission voted (August 2004) unanimously to prohibit non-accessory signs on the new I-40, urged by members of Oklahoma City Beautiful.

The Department has committed to investigating any highway noise complaints after the project is constructed and opened to traffic.  While the Department has completed a number of noise studies modeling the roadway and the area, ODOT remains willing to work with neighbors to ensure that federal guidelines regarding noise impacts are implemented and followed.

Another commitment to the community includes a survey of four historically significant buildings located near the new interstate to determine the conditions of the existing structures.  These buildings are the Little Flower Church, Latino Community Development Agency, Riverside Neighborhood Services Organization, and the Union Station Train Depot.