LakeEffect
07-12-2014, 10:12 AM
No access here, can someone summarize their concerns?
Ditto.
Didn't some of the alternatives cut off Exchange Blvd?
Ditto.
Didn't some of the alternatives cut off Exchange Blvd?
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LakeEffect 07-12-2014, 10:12 AM No access here, can someone summarize their concerns? Ditto. Didn't some of the alternatives cut off Exchange Blvd? Just the facts 07-12-2014, 12:17 PM Ditto. Didn't some of the alternatives cut off Exchange Blvd? My guess is that would be the concern. jn1780 07-19-2014, 03:57 PM 8710 The approach directly on the other side of the canal is taking shape. Urban Pioneer 08-05-2014, 11:06 AM Here is an article from today regarding the work that we have been doing. This line is particularly amusing to me. "It’s a success story because of our public involvement,” said Brenda Perry, spokesperson for ODOT." If FBB and the citizens of this city hadn't pressed for a public process, there would not have been one. A final effort to reverse course of downtown boulevard | okgazette.com (http://okgazette.com/2014/08/05/a-final-effort-to-reverse-course-of-downtown-boulevard/) You can join Friends for a Better Boulevard here- https://www.facebook.com/groups/BetterBoulevard/?fref=nf CuatrodeMayo 08-05-2014, 11:24 AM Here is an article from today regarding the work that we have been doing. This line is particularly amusing to me. "It’s a success story because of our public involvement,” said Brenda Perry, spokesperson for ODOT." If FBB and the citizens of this city hadn't pressed for a public process, there would not have been one. A final effort to reverse course of downtown boulevard | okgazette.com (http://okgazette.com/2014/08/05/a-final-effort-to-reverse-course-of-downtown-boulevard/) You can join Friends for a Better Boulevard here- https://www.facebook.com/groups/BetterBoulevard/?fref=nf This is simply nauseating. OKCisOK4me 08-05-2014, 12:42 PM Taking all the credit Anonymous. 08-05-2014, 01:50 PM Accepting comments once the final design is unveiled this year? What is the purpose at that point? I have a feeling that the overwhelming responses they have received, have been favoring Alternative D. I find it insulting to brag about record-breaking public involvement on this process when they have barely listened in the end. warreng88 08-05-2014, 01:53 PM I think we underestimate the amount of people in the city who do not care about walkability and only care about getting in and out of DT as quickly as possible. Of course, I am not sure if many of those people would have participated in a survey or written an e-mail to their appropriate council people. Spartan 08-05-2014, 01:58 PM So.... They chose C I'm guessing? Anonymous. 08-05-2014, 02:15 PM I think we underestimate the amount of people in the city who do not care about walkability and only care about getting in and out of DT as quickly as possible. Of course, I am not sure if many of those people would have participated in a survey or written an e-mail to their appropriate council people. This is definitely true - but I know tons of people that have no idea of the Boulevard's plans to even exist. I have lost count how many people I have heard wonder what the "floating bridge to nowhere" behind bass pro is for. Unless ODOT specifically went to Edmond residents and asked for input, I don't see how people from this forum and FBB did not single handedly sway the comments enough. Urban Pioneer 08-13-2014, 05:43 PM SW Aviator on the Gwin Faulconer Show Sunday night. The Gwin Faulconer-Lippert Show 4 (Audio) (http://www.ktok.com/media/podcast-ktokam-podcast-GwinnFaulconerLippert/the-gwin-faulconerlippert-show-4-25141186/) Plutonic Panda 08-22-2014, 04:59 PM Now everyone, just remain calm, ODOT just needs to get the details more detailed and then we'll know what the details are, with more detail. ;) From Steve's chat Steve Lackmeyer 11:10 a.m. OK. I know this has been requested for a few weeks. I'll go ahead and post here on the chat. The following is an email conversation that took place on May 30, 2014: Steve: Eric Wenger has said that ODOT won’t pay for the grid option (Option D). Is this true? ODOT: We've answered your question about funding before and nothing's changed since our May 15 email. Many of these details and specifics will be sorted out once an alternate is selected. Our discussions with the City and project agreements have been clear from the beginning, that construction using federal funds on the project will be available for any roadway work that will take place within the old I-40 right-of-way. Any alternative selected will be eligible for federal funding. Any alternative selected will require ODOT and the City of OKC to discuss revisions to the project agreement based on additional features and what would still qualify for funding. STEVE: OK, I just talked to Eric, so let’s take another shot at this. Is it true ODOT will not fund the portion of Option D, as it is presented, that stretches from Walker and Western Avenues and is not in the old I-40 highway alignment? ODOT: While Option D is eligible for federal funds, the portion from Walker to Western is not included in the current agreement because it is outside of old I-40 right-of-way. We're concerned your singling out this one alternate when others include areas that are outside of current funding obligation per project agreement. As said before, ODOT cannot select an alternate until after the public comment process is complete after the public hearing. Many of these details and specifics will be sorted out once an alternate is selected. No matter which alternate is selected, ODOT is committed to work with the City of OKC for resolution of these issues. Steve: I am not singling this out. This is a reflection of what was said at Eric Wenger’s presentation. There were no other comments regarding portions of the other options that also are not going to be funded by ODOT. Please provide me with that information and I will use that as well. ODOT: Steve, let me clarify more. We have responded....any portions in any of the options that fall outside the footprint of the old Crosstown right of way will have to be evaluated for funding in a new agreement STEVE: OK. Let me ask my question differently. Can you please provide me with a list of improvements/road upgrades shown on Options A through C that are not considered to be within the old highway alignment? ODOT: There isn't very detailed information because plans are not detailed yet. Part of Alternate C not included in the original I-40 right of way includes the Classen to Western connection and the modification to Reno. Alternates A, B, C and D all have the Oklahoma Connection that is out of original I-40 right of way. Again, please realize that many of these details and specifics will be sorted out once an alternate is selected. No matter which alternate is selected, ODOT is committed to work with the City of OKC for resolution of these issues. - OKC Central Chat transcript, Aug. 22, 2014 | News OK (http://newsok.com/okc-central-chat-transcript-aug.-22-2014/article/5334791) David 08-22-2014, 09:39 PM So, ODOT wants to build a highway, and they are going to use their control of the purse strings to force the grid option off the table. I wonder if that would fly should the city actually escalate this up to the federal level, assuming such a statement makes sense. The voice in the back of my mind that is wearing a tin foil hat is wondering how much more the appropriate contractors will be paid to build A, B, or C as opposed to D. Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk catch22 08-24-2014, 12:02 AM *My own personal opinion and not that of any other entity* I don't think the city is too interested in picking a public fight with ODOT. The City (Wenger and PW) seems to be quiet on this, and seems to tell the public that they want x, X, and XX. But, doesn't seem too firm in keeping ODOT in check. The chance the City (As in the City of Oklahoma City) escalates this to the federal level is nil. Any way the feds force a decision is if public advocacy groups show the FHWA that the people (the citizens) are P'd off at this process and does not trust the bad faith efforts shown by ODOT, and the limp wrist actions shown by PW and Wenger. */End personal opinion* betts 08-24-2014, 12:03 PM So, ODOT wants to build a highway, and they are going to use their control of the purse strings to force the grid option off the table. I wonder if that would fly should the city actually escalate this up to the federal level, assuming such a statement makes sense. The voice in the back of my mind that is wearing a tin foil hat is wondering how much more the appropriate contractors will be paid to build A, B, or C as opposed to D. Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk My husband always says, "Whose uncle is in the concrete business?" That certainly seems likely, based on the fact that ODOT is basically building a long exit/entrance ramp from I-40 through the best expanse of downtown land available for development we have. I have yet to talk to one citizen who thinks this boulevard is a good idea, including the people who don't walk or bicycle. But, our opinions clearly don't matter. Plutonic Panda 08-24-2014, 12:44 PM My husband always says, "Whose uncle is in the concrete business?" That certainly seems likely, based on the fact that ODOT is basically building a long exit/entrance ramp from I-40 through the best expanse of downtown land available for development we have. I have yet to talk to one citizen who thinks this boulevard is a good idea, including the people who don't walk or bicycle. But, our opinions clearly don't matter.I like the ramp. I've talked to plenty of people who like the Boulevard. It's just how it gets built is the problem catch22 08-24-2014, 01:18 PM I like the ramp. I've talked to plenty of people who like the Boulevard. It's just how it gets built is the problem I can't think of anyone who likes the Boulevard. Even those who are suburban oriented people. Since we are just being contrary today. Paseofreak 08-24-2014, 01:50 PM I like the ramp. I've talked to plenty of people who like the Boulevard. It's just how it gets built is the problem If we don't build The Ramp, we could use that money to build the finest restored grid on the planet! Plutonic Panda 08-24-2014, 02:16 PM I can't think of anyone who likes the Boulevard. Even those who are suburban oriented people. Since we are just being contrary today.Hmmm. I don't know man. I Honestly have not heard one negative thing about it outside of this board and really the Internet, but then again, it isn't something that I exactly talk about with people a daily basis. The people I have talked to about, have either not heard of it and when I told them about it, they liked it, or the ones that did know about it liked it. Plutonic Panda 08-24-2014, 02:17 PM If we don't build The Ramp, we could use that money to build the finest restored grid on the planet!true. Just curious, how much is this ramp going to cost. I honestly didn't even know they were building one with direct access off of I235 warreng88 08-24-2014, 02:30 PM I can't think of anyone who likes the Boulevard. Even those who are suburban oriented people. Since we are just being contrary today. I have a few friends who work downtown but live in the burbs that complain about the Boulevard possibly having a lower speed limit than originally thought (45 to 25) and say it is a waste of money since that needs to get people out of downtown. I always tell them that is what the ten lane monster south of that is for. Hutch 08-24-2014, 03:42 PM I don't think the city is too interested in picking a public fight with ODOT. The City doesn't have to pick a fight with ODOT over the Boulevard. For the most part, ODOT will build the Boulevard the way the City wants them to build it. And the City Council has previously made their preference clear. From ODOT's perspective, this is simply a project they agreed to do for the City as a result of ODOT's decision to move the Crosstown so far to the south. The Boulevard will not be a state or federal highway when complete...it will be a city street, and neither ODOT nor the State will have ownership, control or maintenance responsibilities for the Boulevard. Full ownership and responsibility will be transferred to the City when it is complete. It's not ODOT that cares about and is driving the design and function...it's the City. More specifically, it's being driven by those on City staff who view the design simply from a traffic engineers perspective and honestly believe that the most important aspect of the design is to move cars in and out of downtown as quickly and efficiently as possible. But it's also being driven by any number of downtown interests who listen to and think that City staff's perspective is the best one as far as their interests are concerned, and they have certainly lobbied City Council and staff to stick with the throughway design. If the design is going to change any further, it will only happen if City Council provides the directive to do so. While it's easy to point fingers at ODOT, at this point in the project ODOT may be steering the ship, but they are not the ones setting the course and providing the heading and bearing. That would be City Council and City staff. Of course, they would prefer it if you continue to place full responsibility for the decision with ODOT. And there's very little the FHWA can do at this point, as far as the selection of the Preferred Alternative goes. Their job is to make sure the federal environmental review process is properly followed. As long as NEPA requirements are met, they won't get involved in forcing adoption of a particular alternative. That's the City's and ODOT's decision, and if the City thinks the throughway design is the better way to go, the FHWA will not object as long as all NEPA and other federal regulations have been met. Rover 08-24-2014, 06:01 PM Hmmm. I don't know man. I Honestly have not heard one negative thing about it outside of this board and really the Internet, but then again, it isn't something that I exactly talk about with people a daily basis. The people I have talked to about, have either not heard of it and when I told them about it, they liked it, or the ones that did know about it liked it. Only a portion of OKCitians will use the ramp Or boulevard on a regular or semi-regular basis. The others don't obsess over it or assume they don't know enough about what the design should be to render a strong opinion. Most will only have an opinion after it is built, and then it will be based on their own needs and how they are fulfilled. okclee 08-24-2014, 10:00 PM 9036 I don't remember where I found this but this is a bicycle and pedestrian roundabout that goes over fast moving okc type boulevard. okclee 08-24-2014, 10:33 PM ^^ As advanced as it is, I actually could see Okc doing something like this over the boulevard especially around the classen/western area. It would definitely make the boulevard more interesting and possibly solve a few of the design problems with pedestrians and cyclists. Urban Pioneer 08-25-2014, 12:38 PM The City doesn't have to pick a fight with ODOT over the Boulevard. For the most part, ODOT will build the Boulevard the way the City wants them to build it. And the City Council has previously made their preference clear. From ODOT's perspective, this is simply a project they agreed to do for the City as a result of ODOT's decision to move the Crosstown so far to the south. The Boulevard will not be a state or federal highway when complete...it will be a city street, and neither ODOT nor the State will have ownership, control or maintenance responsibilities for the Boulevard. Full ownership and responsibility will be transferred to the City when it is complete. It's not ODOT that cares about and is driving the design and function...it's the City. More specifically, it's being driven by those on City staff who view the design simply from a traffic engineers perspective and honestly believe that the most important aspect of the design is to move cars in and out of downtown as quickly and efficiently as possible. But it's also being driven by any number of downtown interests who listen to and think that City staff's perspective is the best one as far as their interests are concerned, and they have certainly lobbied City Council and staff to stick with the throughway design. If the design is going to change any further, it will only happen if City Council provides the directive to do so. While it's easy to point fingers at ODOT, at this point in the project ODOT may be steering the ship, but they are not the ones setting the course and providing the heading and bearing. That would be City Council and City staff. Of course, they would prefer it if you continue to place full responsibility for the decision with ODOT. And there's very little the FHWA can do at this point, as far as the selection of the Preferred Alternative goes. Their job is to make sure the federal environmental review process is properly followed. As long as NEPA requirements are met, they won't get involved in forcing adoption of a particular alternative. That's the City's and ODOT's decision, and if the City thinks the throughway design is the better way to go, the FHWA will not object as long as all NEPA and other federal regulations have been met. I'm not sure I completely agree. I do think that Jim Couch and Eric Wenger do have influence. I do think that they have assisted in making sure that we pursue more or less a NW Expressway design. Their urban philosophies are oriented around traffic volume and movement. However, the only way Jim Couch and Eric Wenger would do something different is if our City Council was completely uniform in agreement and requested a different course. However, our City Council was and has never had a uniform opinion about this Boulevard and how it should be designed. Quite simply, some understand the importance of good urban design and some do not. But even if it our City Council was uniform in their opinion and literally directed Jim Couch to inform ODOT what is acceptable, there is absolutely no guarantee that ODOT would follow that direction. They didn't even follow the City Council's explicit choice on the I-40 alignment itself. You of all people should know that. ODOT decided they wanted to put the Crosstown on the Union Station rail yard and that's what they did. They said thanks for your vote.... That was precious... Now were still going to do what we want. It's not the City Council that it is the problem, it is the absence of planners with influence, urban design education, and traffic engineers who actually control the largest infrastructure budgets at both the State and City levels. Hutch 08-25-2014, 06:39 PM I'm not sure I completely agree. I do think that Jim Couch and Eric Wenger do have influence. I do think that they have assisted in making sure that we pursue more or less a NW Expressway design. Their urban philosophies are oriented around traffic volume and movement. However, the only way Jim Couch and Eric Wenger would do something different is if our City Council was completely uniform in agreement and requested a different course. However, our City Council was and has never had a uniform opinion about this Boulevard and how it should be designed. Quite simply, some understand the importance of good urban design and some do not. But even if it our City Council was uniform in their opinion and literally directed Jim Couch to inform ODOT what is acceptable, there is absolutely no guarantee that ODOT would follow that direction. They didn't even follow the City Council's explicit choice on the I-40 alignment itself. You of all people should know that. ODOT decided they wanted to put the Crosstown on the Union Station rail yard and that's what they did. They said thanks for your vote.... That was precious... Now were still going to do what we want. It's not the City Council that it is the problem, it is the absence of planners with influence, urban design education, and traffic engineers who actually control the largest infrastructure budgets at both the State and City levels. Thanks for the insight. It's clear now we're past the political point of further considerations. Time to move on down the road...no pun intended:wink: Urban Pioneer 08-25-2014, 09:25 PM lol. Its up to the FHWA now... bchris02 08-26-2014, 01:17 PM Only a portion of OKCitians will use the ramp Or boulevard on a regular or semi-regular basis. The others don't obsess over it or assume they don't know enough about what the design should be to render a strong opinion. Most will only have an opinion after it is built, and then it will be based on their own needs and how they are fulfilled. If the Boulevard was built primarily with pedestrian-friendliness in mind, there would likely be a lot of complaining from people who come into downtown from the suburbs and rural areas. The problem with ODOT being in control is they have the state of Oklahoma's best interests in mind, not the city of Oklahoma City. Thinking about this from the perspective of somebody who lives in Weatherford and comes to OKC for Thunder games, it makes sense to design a boulevard is primarily designed to get cars in and out of downtown as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Why not just let ODOT built this boulevard primarily for suburbanites? This may just be me, but I think after the new boulevard is built and in place, the city could focus on urbanizing Reno and make it the pedestrian-oriented showcase thoroughfare many have wanted the boulevard to be. It's clear that ODOT is going to do what it wants regardless. CuatrodeMayo 10-17-2014, 10:50 AM This was in my inbox this morning. You can look at the preferred alternative at the link below. You're invited!The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the City of Oklahoma City invite you to attend a public hearing to present the preferred alternative and results of the Environmental Assessment completed for the Crosstown Boulevard. The hearing will begin with an open house at 5:00 PM. During the open house, members of the public can provide written comments, visit one-on-one with staff, and provide private verbal comments. The open house will be followed by a formal presentation at 5:30 PM. At 6:00 PM members of the public will have an opportunity to give public verbal comments. Each individual signed up to speak by 6:15 PM will have a maximum of 3 minutes to speak. Join us to learn more about the future of the Crosstown Boulevard as well as next steps moving forward! Crosstown Boulevard Public Hearing Thursday, November 13, 20145:00 PM Open House 5:30 PM Formal Presentation 6:00 PM Formal Public Comments Chevy Bricktown Events Center429 E. California Street Free parking is available in the lot directly to the south of the event center. The hearing will begin with an open house at 5:00 PM. During the open house, members of the public can provide written comments, visit one-on-one with staff, and provide private verbal comments. The open house will be followed by a formal presentation at 5:30 PM. At 6:00 PM members of the public will have an opportunity to give public verbal comments. Each individual signed up to speak by 6:15 PM will have a maximum of 3 minutes to speak. The EA describes the project’s purpose and need, the range of alternatives considered including the Preferred Alternative, the social, economic and environmental effect of the alternatives, and the agency coordination and public involvement activities conducted as part of the EA. For this project, ODOT and FHWA developed a “user friendly” EA based on the latest guidance from FHWA’s Every Day Counts initiative. This focuses on accelerating project delivery through innovative ideas and collaboration. Industry guidelines, such as the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, provide examples of effective “user friendly” environmental documents such as those used in Oregon, Ohio, and Washington, among others. The EA and supporting project technical reports are available on the ODOT website at http://www.odot.org/meetings/a2014/141113/Environmental%20Assessment.htm (http://pbworld.us7.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=24b8d43ba81d7b04f50c412ab&id=e24a7a06e7&e=744e7b033c). The goal here is to increase collaboration with the public by using technology to distribute project information efficiently. The EA is also available in printed form at: Oklahoma Department of Transportation 200 N.E. 21st St. Oklahoma City, OK 73105 City of Oklahoma City 200 N Walker Oklahoma City, OK 73102 Metropolitan Downtown Library 300 Park Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73102 If any person wishes to submit written comments concerning this project or the EA, they may submit his/her comments to the Environmental Programs Division Engineer, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, 200 NE 21st Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73105 or email environment@odot.org, by no later than December 1, 2014(postmarked on or by December 1, 2014). David 10-17-2014, 11:11 AM So, the Preferred Alignment (http://www.odot.org/meetings/a2014/141113/preferred%20alternate.pdf): 9306 9307 9308 Because hey, why not rebuild a highway that you just spent the better part of a billion dollars to move a mile to the south. CuatrodeMayo 10-17-2014, 11:23 AM The positives are the intersections at Shartel and Lee. The negatives are the same that have already been noted. I really hope the Farmer's Market people really step up and oppose the closing of Exchange. With the connections to the Market and the Stockyards, that street has an opportunity to be really special. DoctorTaco 10-17-2014, 01:00 PM I'll give them credit for incremental improvements to Option C. While the powers that be are not listening as much as we might wish, they are listening, a little. catch22 10-17-2014, 01:10 PM Once the city receives ownership, can they reinstate Exchange? CuatrodeMayo 10-17-2014, 01:13 PM I want to say the Exchange closure was a city-initiated idea, but I'm not sure. catch22 10-17-2014, 02:00 PM I want to say the Exchange closure was a city-initiated idea, but I'm not sure. Unfortunate. Just more cost and expense to fix this mess for my generation to incur when we come to power. bchris02 10-17-2014, 03:48 PM At least they aren't turning Western into a cul-de-sac. That alone makes me happy. ODOT engineers simply aren't on the same page as urbanists and downtown promoters and never will be. heyerdahl 10-17-2014, 04:14 PM At least they aren't turning Western into a cul-de-sac. That alone makes me happy. ODOT engineers simply aren't on the same page as urbanists and downtown promoters and never will be. Southbound Western is still a dead end in Alt C. Plutonic Panda 10-17-2014, 09:00 PM Southbound Western is still a dead end in Alt C.That is incredibly stupid. I wonder how many other major cities have major arterial streets that just dead end randomly. catcherinthewry 10-17-2014, 09:13 PM I want to say the Exchange closure was a city-initiated idea, but I'm not sure. Then why say it if you're not sure? Buffalo Bill 10-17-2014, 09:28 PM Then why say it if you're not sure? Re-read post 2709. Hutch hits the nail on the head. catcherinthewry 10-17-2014, 09:52 PM Re-read post 2709. Hutch hits the nail on the head. Re-read post 2714 and then Hutch's response to it. CuatrodeMayo 10-17-2014, 10:19 PM Then why say it if you're not sure? Exchange doesn't directly interface with the Boulevard so there is no reason for ODOT to care about it. Based on that, I'm assuming it was a City suggestion. It's just speculation and I'm not sure it deserves such a snarky remark. catcherinthewry 10-18-2014, 06:13 PM Exchange doesn't directly interface with the Boulevard so there is no reason for ODOT to care about it. Based on that, I'm assuming it was a City suggestion. It's just speculation and I'm not sure it deserves such a snarky remark. Wasn't trying to be snarky. You are a respected poster and people listen to what you say (the poster after you quoted you as if what you said was a fact) so if YOU are not sure what you are saying is a fact why put it out there? Or at least word it differently so everyone knows you are speculating. mugofbeer 10-18-2014, 06:43 PM That is incredibly stupid. I wonder how many other major cities have major arterial streets that just dead end randomly. S. Denver suburbs do because rich folks didnt want roads going thru their ranchettes. Not central city tho like you are referring to. Buffalo Bill 10-18-2014, 09:41 PM That is incredibly stupid. I wonder how many other major cities have major arterial streets that just dead end randomly. SB Western also dead ends at 18th Street. Is that random enough? Plutonic Panda 10-18-2014, 10:41 PM SB Western also dead ends at 18th Street. Is that random enough?It sucks and makes no sense. I just attribute it to lack of planning. That's all. ODOT could continue the roads through, but they want to be cheap and build another highway. If they're so intent on building another highway through downtown, do it right and don't half-ass it. My only hope at this point is the city is able to fix these problems down the road. A massive round-a-bout would've been amazing. BoulderSooner 10-19-2014, 08:29 AM Keep in mind that currently. Exchange at Reno is only a 1 way street. South. A much better "fix". For that area is for the city to turn Klein into a 4 way stoplight intersection catcherinthewry 10-19-2014, 10:14 AM SB Western also dead ends at 18th Street. Is that random enough? I'm not sure why everyone is complaining about Western, Classen is the major north/south artery and gets much more traffic than Western. LakeEffect 10-19-2014, 01:43 PM I'm not sure why everyone is complaining about Western, Classen is the major north/south artery and gets much more traffic than Western. Not in this area. See the image below from ACOG's traffic count database. Western is currently much more important in this area. 9322 Plutonic Panda 10-19-2014, 02:35 PM I'm not sure why everyone is complaining about Western, Classen is the major north/south artery and gets much more traffic than Western.I will also add a point to cafeboeuf's post below, the sheer fact that this is a major arterial street is enough of a case for me. There are a few other streets in OKC that do this. It just doesn't look good and sets a bad precedent. An arterial street should run all the way through the city or until it's intended destination. It shouldn't have dead end where it ends and starts back up again. jn1780 10-19-2014, 02:40 PM I will also add a point to cafeboeuf's post below, the sheer fact that this is a major arterial street is enough of a case for me. There are a few other streets in OKC that do this. It just doesn't look good and sets a bad precedent. An arterial street should run all the way through the city or until it's intended destination. It shouldn't have dead end where it ends and starts back up again. I'm sure one of their motivations for doing g that is that it forces people to use the new road instead of going down western to the interstate. catcherinthewry 10-19-2014, 03:38 PM Not in this area. See the image below from ACOG's traffic count database. Western is currently much more important in this area. 9322 Thanks for sharing that information. This seems counter-intuitive since Classen is the wider road and is continuous unlike Western as has been discussed earlier. It made me curious about the history of Classen Boulevard and it turns out that the south portion of Classen used to be Olie. Then the trolley utilized the route for its Belle Isle route. When the trolley shut down the city transformed the old route into a "freeway" which is what we have today. Doug Loudenback has a nice article and old map on his website. There is also a thread about Classen on this website. Anyway, judging by the traffic numbers the city's plan to make Classen a major corridor never took hold in this area. HOT ROD 10-21-2014, 05:13 PM no roundabouts? Snowman 10-21-2014, 07:00 PM I will also add a point to cafeboeuf's post below, the sheer fact that this is a major arterial street is enough of a case for me. There are a few other streets in OKC that do this. It just doesn't look good and sets a bad precedent. An arterial street should run all the way through the city or until it's intended destination. It shouldn't have dead end where it ends and starts back up again. There are only ah handful of places around the city where the mile grid is not the main road for at least a half mile. Western/Classen are only a block away and Classen is larger street in the area, there are many places around the city where the next street over from the major mile line grid get cut by a superblock. ljbab728 10-28-2014, 12:14 AM Oklahoma Transportation Department proposes an OKC Boulevard plan aligned with city's goals | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/oklahoma-transportation-department-proposes-an-okc-boulevard-plan-aligned-with-citys-goals/article/5360882) Plutonic Panda 10-28-2014, 12:23 AM in the video, it shows Western going all the way through. jn1780 10-28-2014, 07:03 AM in the video, it shows Western going all the way through. It connects to Western south of the bridge, but diverts over to Classen on the north side. warreng88 10-28-2014, 08:28 AM I still don't understand why there is an oversized turn lane just south of the new convention center. All you have to work on is the timing of the lights and you can have a shorter turn lane and more green space. I am curious what kind of affect this will have on the Farmer's Market area now. David 10-28-2014, 08:56 AM From that article: Keeping downtown walkable. ODOT says the preferred design would include wide trails on either side of the road from Western Avenue to the Bricktown Canal. A 25-mile-per-hour speed limit will slow traffic as it passes the convention center and park. I hope they keep that limit a few blocks to the west as well to keep the speeds down near the elementary. Edit: Watching that video, I suppose I should retract some of the negativity from my last post in the thread. At the very least, it could have been worse. |