Meeting Summary
The Norman City Council held a study session to review the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's Access Oklahoma program, specifically the East-West Connector. Staff provided updates on the project's design status and timeline, outlining the city's requested infrastructure additions such as frontage roads, multimodal paths, and green infrastructure for water quality. Council members voiced strong concerns regarding the project's environmental impact, long-term maintenance costs, and the proposed I-35 interchange design, emphasizing the need for proactive engagement despite previous opposition.
Financial Matters
Maintenance of new Frontage Roads
Discussion on the city's future responsibility for maintaining frontage roads built by OTA, with concerns about increased lane miles and associated costs. An estimated 2-2.5% increase in city-maintained lane miles was discussed for the overall project.
Green Infrastructure and Multimodal Path Costs
Discussion about the cost of requested green infrastructure (e.g., wetlands for water quality) and a 10-foot multimodal path. These projects are estimated to be in the 'many millions' for wetlands, with OTA indicating willingness to consider inclusion if requested before 60% design completion.
City of Harrah's missed opportunity
An example was cited where the City of Harrah incurred a $750,000 expense for utility boring that the OTA would have covered if the request had been made before the 60% design phase.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Fall 2024: 60% design plans for East-West Connector to be completed, critical for city input on design elements.
- August 13th: Target date for City Council to consider a resolution regarding OTA requests.
Watch For
- Final design plans for East-West Connector (mid-2025).
- Construction beginning for East-West Connector (late 2025).
- Mainline open to traffic for East-West Connector (end of 2027).
- Alignment determination for the South Extension Turnpike (near future).
- Completion of environmental studies by OTA.
Agenda Summary
Discussion regarding the city's Norman infrastructure needs related to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's Access program
Staff presented an update on the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's Access Oklahoma program, focusing on the East-West Connector's design status (approaching 60%) and the city's requested infrastructure additions, including one-way frontage roads, a 10-foot multimodal path, and green infrastructure for water quality protection. Discussions also covered potential long-term maintenance costs for the city and the impact of the proposed I-35 interchange.