Intersection of Porter Avenue & Comanche Street to be temporarily closed beginning May 29

Beginning May 29, 2023, the east side of the intersection at Porter Avenue and Comanche Street will be closed to construct new paving in conjunction with the Porter Avenue Streetscape 2019 Bond Project; Comanche Street between Porter and Ponca Avenue will remain closed for approximately 3-4 days depending on weather. Intermittent lane closures on Porter Avenue are still in place as progress is made to the overall project. Drivers are encouraged to take alternate routes to avoid delays. Questions about the project may be directed to 405.366.5319.

 

HISTORY OF THE PROJECT

On April 2, 2019, citizens of Norman voted in favor of a Bond Issue to finance the local share of nineteen transportation improvement projects. Two of the nineteen 2019 bond projects are the Porter Avenue and Acres Street Intersection Bond Project and the Porter Avenue Streetscape 2019 Bond Project. The Porter Avenue Streetscape 2019 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

 

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