The completion of the James Garner Avenue Phase II Project will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and public art dedication beginning at 7 p.m. on August 22 at a designated area of James Garner Avenue, just north of Robinson Street. All are welcome to attend this community event set to include remarks from City officials and community partners, as well as refreshments and giveaways.
“This voter-approved extension creates a new uninterrupted corridor into Downtown Norman from Flood Avenue,” said Scott Sturtz, Interim Public Works Director for the City of Norman. “The project consists of a new two-lane divided street section, a new bridge over Robinson Street, a roundabout intersection at Flood Avenue, and upgrades to Legacy Trail for our residents. We are very excited for the official unveiling of these infrastructure upgrades.”
The project comes at a cost of $8.8 million, paid through the Norman Forward Program with additional Federal Grants administered through ODOT. It was designed by Garver and constructed by Redlands Contracting, Inc. The project will help relieve traffic congestion within various neighborhoods in Downtown, and along both Flood Avenue and Porter Avenue.
A public art piece, also approved by voters through the Norman Forward quality of life projects, will complement the new infrastructure in the middle of the Flood Avenue Roundabout.
“The artwork is titled ‘Revolutions’ and has a multitude of meanings and origins,” said creator and artist Paul Bagley. “It’s meant to provoke curiosity or wonder; everybody will have their own interpretation creating further interest. One of many influences includes the Advanced Radar Research Center at the University of Oklahoma.”
Bagley’s work was chosen from a selection process led by the City of Norman in concert with the Norman Arts Council.
“We are all revolving every day and night on earth circling the sun; the sculpture is aligned with the Summer Solstice which will occur on Friday, June 20, 2025 around 9:30 PM. Life around us is filled with symmetry and patterns. This work is exactly that,” Bagley said.
Those wishing to attend should travel northbound on James Garner Avenue, and then follow traffic signage and traffic control for parking along this street. Event goers with mobility challenges or in need of special accommodations on site are encouraged to contact City staff at 405-307-7118 by noon August 21. Motorists should be advised of the planned event but no significant traffic impacts are expected. Following the event, the Flood Roundabout and the new portion of James Garner Avenue will both be opened for travelers.
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