The City of Tulsa announced on Dec. 3 that construction to widen 71st and Elwood started. City leaders said the project adds a left turn lane to help people enter and exit the REI Center at Tulsa Hills.Rick Peale lives in the area and regularly goes through the intersection. Peal said traffic at the intersection can be a nightmare, "Trying to make a left-hand turn onto 71st street is difficult almost any time of the day with the Jenks school traffic coming in." The plan also includes improvements to the sidewalks on 71st Street. Peale said it's a relief, " I'm all for it; the traffic here certainly needs that turn lane situation with Rei being in the neighborhood."City staff said they plan to extend the right turn lane on Elwood's south side by 500 feet. The project also restricts traffic on 71st Street. People like Darryl Perkins said the timing worries him, "I could say that's a concern, construction at this time of year."2 News spoke to Ryan McKaskle, the Field Engineering Manager for the City of Tulsa. McKaskle said they're considering the traffic as they plan that portion of the work."It will start after the first of the year; we're staying outside of the holiday time period," said McKaskle.McKaskle advises everyone to be cautious of heavy machines moving along the streets. Peale said he can't wait for the project to finish."I'm all for it. It will save me a half an hour getting home," said Peale.The project should be finished by spring 2025.Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere -- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices. Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you Like us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram SUBSCRIBE on YouTube