A record-setting $81 million construction project that promises to widen Interstate 235 and rebuild three bridges that span the highway was approved Monday by the Oklahoma Transportation Commission.

The project is expected to cost closer to $88 million once resurfacing work and incentives are added, officials said.

While the bulk of the project will begin in the fall, it will be preceded by resurfacing work on I-235 between NW 36 and NW 63 which will require I-235 to be narrowed to one lane in each direction during nights and on weekends beginning next month.

According to Oklahoma Department of Transportation officials, the incentive-laden agreement with Oklahoma City-based Allen Contracting Inc. is the largest individual contract ever awarded by the state agency.