The Marshall County Economic Development board met on October 8, 2021, to get updated on the possible bypass coming to Madill. The board members, along with a few residents, learned that the bypass is likely to happen way sooner than originally expected.
Robert Kuester, the Marshall County Economic Director said this bypass is a long time coming. “"They were discussing this back in the 1980s, late 80s," Kuester noted.
The bypass was approved, along with improvements to other roads. ODoT will be adding shoulders to and widening Highway 199 heading east out of Madill to Little City. Kuester noted there are even more projects slotted for Marshall County.
The bypass and other improvements will help reduce the congestion that tends to happen in downtown Madill and the square. The $48 million dollar project will begin at the intersection of US 70 and US 177 on the north side of Madill. Then, there will be a loop around the east side of the city that curves south and meet back up with US 70 south of Archard Road.
Kuester said that the bypass will take the “big, heavy trucks off of the city streets, the surface streets in the center of town… and move them where the industrial area is.”
Warren Pala, co-owner of Stryve Biltong Snacks that is located on East Main Street said the bypass will help the business by rerouting the big delivery trucks. Pala noted that most of the truck travel through town, coming from the west, causing traffic problems. He said the bypass will make a big difference.
Not all residents are pleased with the new construction. Some businesses, like Jones Pawn, will have to be relocated. Jones Pawn owner Marcia Jones voiced her concerns.
"I am so against this bypass the way it's planned," said Jones. "What they showed me on the map, they are going to take me out, and we've put a lot of money into this."
The bypass project is slotted to begin in the current fiscal year as part of an $8 billion plan to upgrade Oklahoma's highways. For more information on the bypass, visit https://www.estinc.com/project/madillbypass/.
Even though the bypass was the hot topic of the meeting, it was not the only item on the agenda. The board presented a plaque to Ronald Jackson to spotlight his outstanding service to the Economic Development Authority. Pala was also awarded a plaque of appreciation.