ODOT agrees to keep school zone on Highway 169 in Oologah

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has agreed to maintain a school zone in front of Oologah-Talala Public Schools along U.S. Highway 169 after local officials reversed a decision to raise the speed limit.

The move comes after concerns were raised about safety during student pickup and drop-off times, despite a prior agreement between the town council and ODOT to increase speeds.

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

Why the speed change was proposed

Initially, ODOT supported raising the speed limit in the area. Officials cited a lack of pedestrian traffic along that stretch of highway and believed a higher limit would keep traffic flowing.

The Oologah Town Council had agreed to the change, which would have eliminated the school zone entirely.

Community concern prompts a change of heart

However, after pushback from community members and further review, the town council changed its position. That led to new talks with ODOT and ultimately a decision to reinstate the school zone.

What drivers can expect now

Under the new agreement:

1. The speed limit will be 25 mph during school drop-off and pick-up hours.
2. The speed limit will return to 45 mph during all other times.

Clear signage will alert drivers to when school zone hours are in effect.

What’s next

ODOT said it will continue monitoring the area to ensure the current setup meets both safety and traffic efficiency needs.

The decision brings the matter to a close for now and keeps school zone protections in place as students head into the new school year.