Flood Avenue traffic shift to occur north of Robinson on April 4, 2024

To accommodate for ongoing work as part of the James Garner Avenue Norman Forward project, vehicular traffic on Flood Avenue just north of Robinson Street will be switched to the east side of Flood Avenue on 4/4/24. This shift will allow for the construction of the remainder (the west side) of a new roundabout intersection.

Once the roundabout paving is complete, traffic will be switched to the outside lanes on Flood Avenue through the roundabout to allow for reconstruction of the center median.

At least one lane of travel in both directions is expected to remain open on Flood Avenue through the duration of construction, which is expected to be completed by the end of Spring. However, due to the lane reductions, travelers are encouraged to pay close attention to all construction traffic control signs and devices, and find alternate routes if possible to avoid congestion.

Large trucks entering Norman on Flood Avenue are also encouraged to detour using Rock Creek Road or take I-35 to Robinson Street, to avoid the construction zone and possible delays.

Lane reductions to accommodate for this construction project began in January 2024. The patience and understanding of residents is greatly appreciated as vital improvements are carried out to the City of Norman’s street system.

 

History of the Project

On October 13, 2015, Norman Voters approved the $150 million, 15-year, Norman Forward Sales Tax initiative.  The program outlined various citywide projects to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Norman.  One of these projects is the James Garner Avenue – Acres Street to Flood Avenue project.  The current construction cost for the project is approximately $7.9 million.  Of that, approximately $4.8 million, will be paid from federal grant funds, and the remainder will be paid with Norman Forward Funds.

 

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation conducted a bid opening on October 20, 2022, for the James Garner Avenue Norman Forward Project.  The low bidder was Redlands Contracting, LLC of Warr Acres, Oklahoma.  ODOT awarded the project on November 7, 2022.  This project has a 460-calendar day construction schedule, which will likely result in an early summer 2024 completion.  The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is administering the construction of this project, with the assistance of Smith Roberts Baldischwiler. 

 

Proposed improvements for the James Garner Phase 2 Norman Forward Project include:

  • Construction of a new roadway extension of James Garner Avenue beginning from just north of Acres Street adjacent to the Norman Municipal Library and extending north of Robinson Street to connect to Flood Avenue.
  • New multilane roundabout intersection between the Flood Avenue and the new James Garner extension
  • A new vehicular and pedestrian bridge over Robinson Street with aesthetics honoring James Garner as the roadway’s namesake.           
  • Reconstruction and extension of the Legacy Trail with improved pedestrian lighting.
  • Low Impact Development such as plantings and landscaping in the roadway medians and at bridge abutments to filter runoff and help prevent erosion.
  • Reconfigured connections between local streets from Johnson Street to Himes Street.
  • Decorative roadway lighting and landscaping.

 

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