Oklahoma City Bridges, Streets, Overpass and Interstate Junctions

[Laramie]

Oklahoma City Roads & Street Infrastructure.








The 10 Lane I-40 Crosstown Expressway handles the volumes of daily traffic in our State's Largest City

$967 million Bond Package

On September 12, 2017, Oklahoma City voters approved 13 bond propositions and two sales tax initiatives known as the Better Streets, Safer City projects.

The 10-year, $967 million bond package invests in streets, police and fire facilities, parks and other basic needs. It succeeds the 2007 bond program, which is almost complete.

[Laramie]

Oklahoma City's CBD Construction Towers & Infrastructure Pains

Construction on what was once Oklahoma City's two tallest towers prior to Devon Tower (BancFirst & First National) continues to delay construction and resurfacing of street work coupled with the $967 million General Obligation Bonds passed in 2017 that will resurface and repair a majority of Oklahoma City's streets, roads & bridges.  The convention center complex along Robinson has begun street resurface projects.

[Laramie]

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Heartland Flyer, Oklahoma City


Oklahoma City Intermodal Transportation Hub


Amtrak:  Oklahoma City to Fort Worth, Texas

Heartland Flyer Extension Infrastructure Needs Assessment

BNSF has provided the preliminary capital investment costs to operate the proposed Amtrak service connecting Newton, KS to Oklahoma City, OK based on current freight rail traffic and capacity.  While this is an important step forward, the State still needs significant information to evaluate establishing Heartland Flyer service.

A summary of the estimated preliminary capital investment costs and likely next steps are outlined below.  

Preliminary capital investment cost:  

         The preliminary cost estimates to improve BNSF rail infrastructure are based on current freight traffic and current capacity levels.  
         Note –these costs do not include station stops (e.g., platforms, station buildings, station operating costs,etc.).

The total infrastructure cost for 79 mph service is $124.4 million, including:

              Kansas rail improvements $31.2 million
              Oklahoma rail improvements $93.2 million

These costs include:

         o     $28.8M (across both states) for upgrades necessary for 79 mph operating speed
         o     $15.8M for an extension of a siding on the Arkansas City, BNSF Kansas subdivision rail (2.3 miles)
         o     $79.8M for an extension of a siding near Oklahoma City (4 miles –includes 5 bridges)

The reason the needed Kansas investment is substantially less than the Oklahoma investment is because BNSF is currently investing in track improvements and additions from Emporia to Wellington that result in improved freight flows on the rail corridor between Newton and Mulvane. This reduces the need to expand track infrastructure along that corridor which was originally outlined in previous assessments.

Additional analysis based on future freight capacity is still in development and will be necessary for future planning of the service.

Next Steps:   There are several key next steps in the planning process for this service.

    1.   Discuss these cost estimates with our partner state, Oklahoma,because infrastructure improvements will be required within their state borders.
          KDOT has been in consistent communication with Oklahoma Department of Transportation officials regarding this service and will maintain that
          communication as information becomes available.

    2.   Develop an updated service development plan.  This is a necessary step to fully understand the resources needed to implement and operate the service.

          o     KDOT will partner with Amtrak, stakeholders including communities and agencies to update the service development plan which that will guide
                 future implementation of the service.

          o     Funding for Amtrak start-up costs will be needed along with the infrastructure investment that BNSF requires, and the annual operating cost.

          o     Local partnerships are also vital as commitments from local communities are necessary for future action. Communities that have stops in the
                 updated Service Development

          Plan will need to commit to investing in station stops and necessary investment for the service.

    3.   BNSF will need to complete the second phase of the infrastructure needs assessment that focuses on a future growth scenario(instead of the
          current scenario for which we now have cost estimates) to provide final cost estimates necessary for future implementation of the service.
     
          Note:  BNSF will not complete the final analysis until a commitment of state or local funding is made to establish the Heartland Flyer service on the corridor.

          In order to demonstrate that commitment, we need to secure commitments from Oklahoma and the station stop communities.  

    4.   KDOT and communities need to explore regional support for the investment in passenger rail at upcoming local consult meetings because an investment
          of this magnitude is consistent with modernization and expansion projects on the highway system.  KDOT is pleased to have the first modal project to be
          considered alongside highway projects –this represents a positive step in viewing our transportation system and investments from a multi-modal
          perspective.

    5.   It should also be noted that KDOT is working in good faith from preliminary cost estimates and as information is released to KDOT, we will maintain
          transparency and keep stakeholders informed of any progress.

If you have any questions please contact Chris Herrick, Chris.Herrick@ks.gov.



.

Heartland Flyer test train:  Oklahoma City to Wichita & Kansas City.

Amtrak's Heartland Flyer extension test train brought crowds trackside along the Oklahoma City to Kansas City route. The train ran from the former Santa Fe station in Oklahoma City, departing at 7:45 a.m., and terminated at Kansas City Union Station at 5:30 p.m. Stops included Guthrie, Perry, and Ponca City in Oklahoma, and Arkansas City, Wichita, Newton, Emporia, and Topeka in Kansas.

Amtrak officials and state leaders have discussed extending the Heartland Flyer north into Kansas for several years, though it's unclear how much progress they've made. But even though the coronavirus has caused state agencies and Amtrak to lose money, talks of expanding the Flyer are still ongoing.

[Red Arrow]

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Heartland Flyer, Oklahoma City


Oklahoma City Intermodal Transportation Hub


Amtrak:  Oklahoma City to Fort Worth, Texas

Heartland Flyer Extension Infrastructure Needs Assessment

BNSF has provided the preliminary capital investment costs to operate the proposed Amtrak service connecting Newton, KS to Oklahoma City, OK based on current freight rail traffic and capacity.  While this is an important step forward, the State still needs significant information to evaluate establishing Heartland Flyer service.

A summary of the estimated preliminary capital investment costs and likely next steps are outlined below.  

Preliminary capital investment cost:  

         The preliminary cost estimates to improve BNSF rail infrastructure are based on current freight traffic and current capacity levels.  
         Note –these costs do not include station stops (e.g., platforms, station buildings, station operating costs,etc.).

The total infrastructure cost for 79 mph service is $124.4 million, including:

              Kansas rail improvements $31.2 million
              Oklahoma rail improvements $93.2 million

These costs include:

         o     $28.8M (across both states) for upgrades necessary for 79 mph operating speed
         o     $15.8M for an extension of a siding on the Arkansas City, BNSF Kansas subdivision rail (2.3 miles)
         o     $79.8M for an extension of a siding near Oklahoma City (4 miles –includes 5 bridges)

The reason the needed Kansas investment is substantially less than the Oklahoma investment is because BNSF is currently investing in track improvements and additions from Emporia to Wellington that result in improved freight flows on the rail corridor between Newton and Mulvane. This reduces the need to expand track infrastructure along that corridor which was originally outlined in previous assessments.

Additional analysis based on future freight capacity is still in development and will be necessary for future planning of the service.

Next Steps:   There are several key next steps in the planning process for this service.

    1.   Discuss these cost estimates with our partner state, Oklahoma,because infrastructure improvements will be required within their state borders.
          KDOT has been in consistent communication with Oklahoma Department of Transportation officials regarding this service and will maintain that
          communication as information becomes available.

    2.   Develop an updated service development plan.  This is a necessary step to fully understand the resources needed to implement and operate the service.

          o     KDOT will partner with Amtrak, stakeholders including communities and agencies to update the service development plan which that will guide
                 future implementation of the service.

          o     Funding for Amtrak start-up costs will be needed along with the infrastructure investment that BNSF requires, and the annual operating cost.

          o     Local partnerships are also vital as commitments from local communities are necessary for future action. Communities that have stops in the
                 updated Service Development

          Plan will need to commit to investing in station stops and necessary investment for the service.

    3.   BNSF will need to complete the second phase of the infrastructure needs assessment that focuses on a future growth scenario(instead of the
          current scenario for which we now have cost estimates) to provide final cost estimates necessary for future implementation of the service.
     
          Note:  BNSF will not complete the final analysis until a commitment of state or local funding is made to establish the Heartland Flyer service on the corridor.

          In order to demonstrate that commitment, we need to secure commitments from Oklahoma and the station stop communities.  

    4.   KDOT and communities need to explore regional support for the investment in passenger rail at upcoming local consult meetings because an investment
          of this magnitude is consistent with modernization and expansion projects on the highway system.  KDOT is pleased to have the first modal project to be
          considered alongside highway projects –this represents a positive step in viewing our transportation system and investments from a multi-modal
          perspective.

    5.   It should also be noted that KDOT is working in good faith from preliminary cost estimates and as information is released to KDOT, we will maintain
          transparency and keep stakeholders informed of any progress.

If you have any questions please contact Chris Herrick, Chris.Herrick@ks.gov.



.

Heartland Flyer test train:  Oklahoma City to Wichita & Kansas City.

Amtrak's Heartland Flyer extension test train brought crowds trackside along the Oklahoma City to Kansas City route. The train ran from the former Santa Fe station in Oklahoma City, departing at 7:45 a.m., and terminated at Kansas City Union Station at 5:30 p.m. Stops included Guthrie, Perry, and Ponca City in Oklahoma, and Arkansas City, Wichita, Newton, Emporia, and Topeka in Kansas.

Amtrak officials and state leaders have discussed extending the Heartland Flyer north into Kansas for several years, though it's unclear how much progress they've made. But even though the coronavirus has caused state agencies and Amtrak to lose money, talks of expanding the Flyer are still ongoing.

We might be more interested here in Tulsa when train service comes through Tulsa.

[Laramie]

We might be more interested here in Tulsa when train service comes through Tulsa.

The 'Demand' is probably there; it's a matter of time.  The Union Depot in Tulsa is beautiful structure--Tulsa has a better base infrastructure than OKC.  Would love to see this beautiful structure up and running again.

I know it's being used for something else; however is the Sapulpa station operable...

Tulsa would add an important key route which would link Tulsa to Fort Worth (via OKC) and Kansas City (via Wichita-Newton).  Eventually, if the Heartland Flyer returns north into Kansas from OKC, you'll see an immediate plan to spur a route into Tulsa with a triangle route to serve Wichita, Tulsa and OKC.  

IIRC Newton, Kansas is the key link route to Chicago.

             

[Laramie]

Street near convention center named in honor of Mayor Mick Cornett


The street is being designed to host special events in support of the convention center. (Mayor Holt)
OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) - The longest serving mayor in Oklahoma City history is being honored in a special way.

Fox 25 News OKC https://okcfox.com/news/local/street-near-convention-center-named-in-honor-of-cornett



Cornett Drive

[Laramie]

Route 66, Oklahoma City - The Mother Road

Today the stockyards remains the world's largest stocker and feeder cattle market.  Main Street is lined with a number of shops filled with Western wear to dress you in attire from head to toe and unique stores with handmade products and housewares. If you like country music, Rodeo Opry along Exchange Avenue offers live music for your entertainment.  The mission of Main Street is to preserve Western culture and the feel of the old west in a modern setting.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum which houses the largest collection of Cowboy memorabilia in the country have over 28,000 Western and American Indian art works and artifacts including the world's most extensive collection of rodeo photographs.

Pop's Route 66 – Giant Pop Bottle, The 66-ft LED pop bottle is hard to miss. Pop's is where modern architecture meets roadside attraction. The huge futuristic canopy stretches 100 feet (unsupported!), to shelter car and their occupants from sun, rain and snow.

Pop's signature is soda pop – with a selection of more than 400 ice-cold sodas and beverages. There is a full-service grill and self-serve gas station, so you might as well stop. Get there at dusk if you can, for a great photo op.  The LED pop bottle is 11 feet taller than Texas State Fair's Big Tex.

Originally built by a local farmer in 1898 and restored in 1992, the red round barn in Arcadia at one time was one of the most photographed landmarks on Route 66. It is now a resource for Route 66 information and shop along the route.

On the morning of April 19, 1995, the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City was destroyed in a domestic terrorist attack when a bomb exploded, killing 168 people. The Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum was created to remember those who were killed, those who survived, and those changed forever.

[Laramie]

Route 66, Oklahoma City - The Mother Road

Myriad Botanical Gardens has a springtime shower worth of upcoming programming opportunities slated for the season.

"The gardens, over the last four years, has really striven to fill itself with activities of all sorts – for kids, for adults, fitness activities, fun activities, educational stuff," said Christine Eddington, director of marketing and communications at the gardens. "Our goal is to be really programmed all the time."--Oklahoma Gazette, April 2015.

As the canal turns south toward the river, it is highlighted by hiking and bicycle trails, water features and landscaped park areas. The Bricktown Water Taxi offers rides down the canal. Various public and private development projects are in progress along its banks.

The Paseo Arts Festival is a great excuse to discover (or hopefully rediscover) the fantastic Paseo Arts District. For over 44 years the annual festival has brought food, fun, music and art to the district's streets, drawing more than 60,000 weekend visitors to the two day event.

The Oklahoma City Zoo's new habitat expansion, Sanctuary Asia, (above pic) has been nominated for the USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Award for Best Zoo Exhibit!   Since 1990, the zoo has received one-eighth of a cent from the city's sales tax collections.  Over the next nine years, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden could see $71 million in renovations and new exhibits.

[Laramie]

I-235/I-44 Interchange, Oklahoma City

The I-235/US-77/I-44 Interchange project, consists of a three-mile segment of north-south urban interstate highway located between 36th Street on the south and 63rd Street on the north in Oklahoma City and two urban interchanges (NW 36th Street and NW 63rd Street) and the I-44/I-235 four-level interstate interchange.

[Laramie]

Oklahoma City Boulevard


Pic via OKCTalk.com

The boulevard now runs east and west from the I-40/I-235 interchange near downtown and merges into I-40 near N. Villa on the west. It dissects Myriad Gardens Park on the north and the new Scissortail Park (lower park) under construction to the south.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has built the boulevard as the last phase of the entire I-40 project and is turning it over to the City of Oklahoma City once completed.

The boulevard follows the right of way of the original elevated I-40 Crosstown Expressway which was removed once the I-40 corridor was moved five blocks to the south.--Oklahoma City Free Press--Friday, December 18, 2020

[Laramie]

I-235/I-44 update pics via OKCTalk.com

One of the flyovers is in use

[Laramie]

I-235/I-44 Interchange update pic via OKCTalk.com



Taken 01/17/2021, Join the discussion https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=24127&page=83&p=1153629#post1153629

[Laramie]

I-235/I-44 Interchange update pic via OKCTalk.com

Metropolitan Oklahoma City Highway infrastructure continuity...

...Connect to Turner Turnpike north, a 21-mile stretch of toll road in eastern Oklahoma to  the southern segment from Interstate 40 to US-62 remains under construction and is scheduled to open in 2021.

Connects at I-44 north and I-40 south



Eastern Oklahoma Turnpike completes a loop in Metro OKC.

In 2007, the city passed an ordinance requiring all new developments to include sidewalks.

A 2007 bond issue included funding for 275 miles of sidewalks. The passage of MAPS 3 in 2009 further committed the city to making itself more walkable by committing $18 million for more than 50 miles of sidewalks in areas built up during 1960s through the 1990s.

MAPS 4 (Passed December 2019) will provide $87 million to transform the environment in neighborhoods across the city by providing major funding for sidewalks, bike lanes, trails and streetlights.

[Laramie]

Extreme $967 million Makeover: Oklahoma City streets, transit, libraries, parks, bridges and more police officers and fire fighters.

Two years ago, the voters of Oklahoma City approved a historic investment into the infrastructure of the metro. The Better Streets, Safer City bond was a $967-million package that included improvements to transit, libraries, parks, bridges and more police officers and fire fighters.

The biggest portion of the package went to improving the streets and sidewalks of OKC. In fact, around $491 million will be spent on our streets in total.

[Laramie]

Oklahoma City's Mick Cornett Drive

Tribute to Oklahoma City's modest mayor, influential in bringing the NBA to OKC







The street is being designed to host special events in support of the convention center. (Mayor Holt)