Construction for the Porter Avenue Streetscape 2019 Bond Project to soon begin

UPDATE, 10/4/23 – Beginning Friday, October 6, construction for the Porter Avenue Streetscape 2019 Bond Project will begin for the segment of Porter Avenue between Hughbert Street and Robinson Street.  As construction progresses, lane reductions and traffic shifts are expected in the area.  At least one lane in each direction will be open at all times on Porter. 

Traffic control devices and conditions may change from day to day to accommodate specific activities.  Drivers are encouraged to be alert and obey all construction signage, when traveling through the area.  Also, please remember that pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks, as they may be less visible due to construction activities.

 Access to adjacent businesses will be available at all times, but the temporary access my need to be provided from a different location than normal.  Similar to the previous construction phases, every effort will be made to keep lanes on Porter Avenue open during OU home game weekends.

Construction in this area is expected to continue through spring of 2024.

 

POSTED 4/1/23 – Construction for the Porter Avenue Streetscape 2019 Bond Project from Alameda Street north to Robinson Street will begin April 3, 2023. The first phase of construction will include streetscape and drainage improvements on the east side of Porter Avenue between Alameda Street and Main Street.  This work will require the closure of the outside northbound lane of Porter Avenue between Alameda Street and Main Street.  Additionally, during intermittent storm pipeline replacements across Porter Avenue, both northbound lanes will be closed in the immediate area of work with two-way traffic (one lane in each direction) being provided on the existing southbound lanes.  This phase of the project is anticipated to take two months to complete. Questions about the project may be directed to 405.366.5453.

 

History of the Project

On April 2, 2019, the citizens of Norman voted in favor of a Bond Issue to finance the local share of 19 transportation improvement projects. Two of the 19 bond projects are the Porter Avenue and Acres Street Intersection Bond Project and the Porter Avenue Streetscape Bond Project. The Porter Avenue Streetscape Bond Project consists of design and construction of streetscape elements along the Porter Avenue corridor between Robinson Avenue on the north and Alameda Street on the south. The total construction cost for the project is approximately $5.1 million. Of that, approximately $2.8 million will be paid by federal grant. The remaining $2.3 million will be paid for through the City of Noman 2019 Bond Program.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation conducted a bid opening on October 20, 2022, for the Porter Avenue Streetscape 2019 Bond Project. The low bidder was SAC Services, Inc. of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  ODOT awarded the project on November 7, 2022. This project has a 210-calendar day construction schedule, which will likely result in a fall 2023 completion. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is administering the construction of this project, with the assistance of Atkins. 

Proposed improvements include:

  • New sidewalks
  • Driveway consolidation or elimination (access management)
  • Decorative roadway and pedestrian lighting
  • Landscaping
  • New curb and gutter
  • New Decorative Traffic Signals
  • Pedestrian safety improvements

###