Pavement repairs for Highway 169 started last Wednesday and are causing a lot of issues for drivers and businesses in the area.

Todd Rickert, the owner of Rickert Landscaping and Tree Services, said he's seen what the construction has caused firsthand. He said so far, it hasn't been pretty.

"Been a lot of accidents lately, people need to slow down and be polite, merge together," Rickert said. 

Kenna Mitchell with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation said if people would rather avoid the traffic, they should take another route. She also said if drivers decide to drive on 169, that they take it slow for everyone's sake.

"We want to remind drivers to give their full attention to the roadway," Mitchell said. "It'll just take a few extra minutes to get through, but during that time you need to be as safe as possible." 

Mitchell said construction workers can also be in danger from reckless driving.

"Really worried every time the fire trucks come by if a construction worker's getting hit or if it's just cars hitting each other, not paying attention," Rickert said. 

Both Rickert and Mitchell said anytime they hear about a traffic jam, they hope for the best, but assume the worst.

"When you are trying to concentrate on your job, you have traffic that is going too fast for conditions, or drivers that might be trying to distract even you from your job, it could be dangerous," Mitchell said. 

Mitchell said the roads are scheduled to finish no later than May but said it could be finished sooner.