ODOT removes school zone near Oologah Schools, changes highway 169 speed limits

Drivers passing through Oologah on U.S. Highway 169 will no longer have to slow down to 25 miles per hour for a designated school zone in front of Oologah Schools. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has approved removing the school zone and approved a speed limit increase along this stretch of road. 

The change comes after a vote by the Oklahoma Transportation Commission, which approved the speed adjustments as part of its Consent Agenda during its monthly meeting on Monday, July 7, 2025. 

What’s changing on Highway 169

The current speed zone required southbound drivers to slow from 65 mph to 25 mph directly in front of the school at certain times of day, with the speed limit going back up to 45 mph through Oologah.

Under the new rules:

1. The school zone will be removed.
2. The 45 mph speed limit will stretch from north of the school, through Oologah to the intersection of State Highway 88.
3. The limit will rise to 65 mph about half a mile south of State Highway 88.

Why the school zone is being removed

ODOT officials say the school zone is no longer necessary because there is no pedestrian presence or sidewalks along that section of road.

“We have done this in other areas where there is no pedestrian presence or sidewalks in a school zone,” said T.J. Gerlach, public information officer for ODOT.

What drivers can expect instead

Although the school zone designation will go away, new signage will be installed to alert drivers to the presence of school entrances.

How changes get approved

According to ODOT, speed limit changes within municipal boundaries require coordination with local governments.

“Anytime a speed limit is altered within municipal boundaries, we do get resolutions from the city or town agreeing to the changes,” Gerlach added.