A nearly $8 million bank protection project on SH-10 along the Illinois River began on Friday, Feb. 16, approximately 12 miles northeast of Tahlequah in Cherokee County.

The existing embankment along the Illinois River is experiencing erosion and instability that could compromise the roadway. The project will construct a retaining wall at the foot of the embankment for about 1,750 ft.

Traffic along SH-10 will occasionally be reduced to one lane with temporary traffic signals or flaggers controlling traffic. The project should be completed in spring 2025.

The Oklahoma Transportation Commission awarded the contract for this project to Paradigm Construction and Engineering Inc. of Sapulpa in October 2023.