Meeting Summary
The Norman City Council held a special meeting to review the comprehensive update to the city's Transportation Master Plan. The presentation highlighted a shift towards multi-modal transportation, active transit networks, and strategic roadway improvements, while acknowledging challenges such as construction cost inflation and evolving federal funding criteria. Council members discussed concerns regarding extensive road widenings and emphasized the importance of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
Financial Matters
2023 Bond Program for Bridges
The bridge plan update mirrors the city's existing 2023 Bond program, which includes a 10-year outlook for replacing or rehabilitating approximately 90 city-responsible bridges.
Construction Cost Inflation
Projects are facing significant cost increases, with concrete and asphalt prices jumping almost 60% in the last 18 months, impacting the budget and scope of planned transportation projects.
ODOT/ACOG Funding Criteria Changes
Changes in state and metropolitan planning organization funding criteria are causing delays and requiring adjustments to project planning, making it challenging to secure federal matching funds for previously approved projects.
Coming Up
Watch For
- City Council vote on the Norman Comprehensive Plan update and Transportation Master Plan
- Regional Transit Authority (RTA) commuter rail vote
Announcements
- Jim Ada, Transportation subcommittee chair, thanked the steering committee, Garver team, and city staff for their extensive work on the comprehensive plan update.
Agenda Summary
Norman Comprehensive Plan update and Transportation Master Plan
Presentation and discussion of the updated plan, covering aviation, parking, transit, bridges, traffic, active transportation, and roadway networks, with a focus on multi-modal connectivity and future land use alignment.
Consideration of journey into executive session
Discussion regarding the authorization to enter executive session as permitted by Oklahoma statutes under Title 25, Section 307(4).