Temporary lane closures on NW 23rd Street for water main repair
Published on December 03, 2025
UPDATE 12/5/2025
OKC Utilities crews are continuing work on the water main repair on NW 23rd Street after discovering an unforeseen complication that requires rerouting approximately 60 feet of pipe. Because of this additional work, lane closures will need to remain in place longer than initially anticipated.
To safely continue the repair, the work zone is being expanded to include the two eastbound lanes of NW 23rd Street closest to the center median. One eastbound lane will remain open to keep traffic moving, but vehicles will not be able to turn north from 23rd Street onto Pennsylvania Avenue.
Officials now anticipate completing the repair by 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Lane closures will remain in place until repairs are finished, and some closures will continue afterward to allow for necessary road repairs.
Water service has been restored for customers in the Penn Crossing shopping center. Additional service impacts are possible for nearby homes and businesses on Dec. 5, but the extent and duration are not yet known.
OKC Utilities Line Maintenance crews will begin repairing an 8-inch water main west of North Pennsylvania Avenue on Northwest 23rd Street at 8 p.m. Dec. 3. The work has been scheduled during a time of lower traffic and business activity to minimize disruption.
To provide a safety work zone, the westbound lanes of 23rd Street will be temporarily narrowed from approximately North Virginia Avenue up to Penn. Westbound traffic will be unable to continue past Penn and will be restricted to right and left turns onto Penn.
Barricades and detour signs will be in place by 8 p.m. Drivers are encouraged to avoid the area if possible.
Nearby businesses in the Penn Crossing shopping center are the only customers expected to experience an impact to their water service during the repair. Residential customers in the area should not be affected.
Officials anticipate repairs to the water main will be completed by 6 a.m. Dec. 4. Lane closures will remain in place until repairs are finished.
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Media Contact: Jasmine Morris, (405) 297-1950, jasmine.morris@okc.gov