Wanted to put all the info on this project in one place for easy reference.

It starts at the Lake near Meridian
South on Meridian to NW 63rd
East on NW 63rd
Southeast on NW Expressway
South on Portland
East on NW 56th
South on Grand (west side of I-44)
West on 39th Expressway frontage road (north side)
Cross 39th at St. Clair (existing light near proposed Winco)
South on St. Clair
East on NW 38th
South on Grand (back along the west side of I-44)
East on NW 16th (cross I-44)
South on Grand on east side of I-44
East on NW 10th (Fairgrounds)
South on N. May (Fairgrounds)
Cross N. May at Reno
South on east side of Reno
Under I-40
Connect with OK River Trail



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bikepathallb.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bikepath1.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bikepath2.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bikepath3.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bikepath4.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bikepath5.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bikepath6.jpg

Really excited for this. Hope the "potential" trail-head parking at May and the river comes to pass!

I wish it came a bit closer to me (near 50th & Penn) but I can work my way over to Will Rogers Park pretty easily and go from there.

You will soon be able to make a pretty big loop starting at the OK River east of downtown, west to Meridian where you can pick up the MAPS 3 West River Trail that takes you to Lake Overholser, take the connecting trail to Lake Hefner, loop around the lake and then pick up this trail at Meridian and head back down to the river.

That would be a fun approx 50 mile adventure.

Is this 100% MUP or is some of it a line painted along the gutter?

Is this 100% MUP or is some of it a line painted along the gutter?

The detailed schematics above do a good job of explaining what all sections of this will look like.

Broadly, it's all dedicated bike path separated from the roadway.

This is 3 blocks east of my house at N 44th street. I have already been using the path in our neighborhood even though it is not quite done. Not sure what the progress is on other sections.

The plan just says to be complete in 2017.

I've seen work on various parts of it.

Perhaps I'll try and ride it in the near future and take some photos of the progress.


I was an avid cyclist in California -- rode thousands of miles a year -- but haven't been on my bike since moving back to OKC. My main concern is that motorists are not used to cyclists, most don't understand the concept of a bike having the same right to the road as a car, and some are out-right hostile to bike riders.

I look forward to this trail because I can work my way over to it from my house then have access to long distances of relatively protected paths.

This is 3 blocks east of my house at N 44th street. I have already been using the path in our neighborhood even though it is not quite done. Not sure what the progress is on other sections.

Oooh, good to know. I want to go on a ride to check it out, but wasn't sure if I'd get in trouble for being there. :tongue:

Sweet, I live 2 blocks north of Linwood Elementary and always wanted an easy bike path to both the river trail and Will Rogers Park.

I work near will rogers park and drive by the construction daily. Seems like they're moving pretty quickly.

There has been some work going on for several weeks on the south side of 63rd just east of Meridian. It's difficult to tell for sure if it has any connection to this project.

There has been some work going on for several weeks on the south side of 63rd just east of Meridian. It's difficult to tell for sure if it has any connection to this project.

Yes, that is definitely related to this path as I saw it just a few days ago.

Basically putting in a dedicated off-road path on the south side of 63rd.

Yes, that is definitely related to this path as I saw it just a few days ago.

Basically putting in a dedicated off-road path on the south side of 63rd.

The only thing that is obvious, at this point, is the replacement of the in-cuts off of 63rd.

Glad to know they're building this. Especially since it's more of a direct route to the river trails without traveling all the way around by Overholser!

Connection to the River Trail:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C6MPnh6UwAQ1mtH.jpg

https://twitter.com/orangeurbansf/status/838531148775030784

Today I noticed the path along the east side of Portland is almost complete.

Connection to the River Trail:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C6MPnh6UwAQ1mtH.jpg

https://twitter.com/orangeurbansf/status/838531148775030784

That is part of the Oklahoma River Extension, which runs up to Overholser.

That is part of the Oklahoma River Extension, which runs up to Overholser.

D'oh! You're right. I read it too quickly. I've taken that trail plenty of times so I'm not sure why I didn't recognize it. Glad to see that connection, though, since navigating that parking lot was always a bit awkward.

D'oh! You're right. I read it too quickly. I've taken that trail plenty of times so I'm not sure why I didn't recognize it. Glad to see that connection, though, since navigating that parking lot was always a bit awkward.

I have yet to ride it. It's been a few years.

D'oh! You're right. I read it too quickly. I've taken that trail plenty of times so I'm not sure why I didn't recognize it. Glad to see that connection, though, since navigating that parking lot was always a bit awkward.

Glad to see it done, too. That connection has been messy for a while, and it's gone through several iterations of dirt/mud, gravel, crumbly asphalt, better asphalt, and now finally the permanent concrete.

riding a road bike anywhere near traffic in OKC is frightening and i like to live on the edge.

I noodle in some snake and beaver infested bodies of water, wade and fish in areas where multiple alligator sightings have happened around texoma, have killed wild hogs with nothing but knife. My job requires me to be on the roads around OKC multiple hours a week. I will never ride a road bike around drivers here. I have a mt bike and stick to the trails @ bluff creek and draper

Yesterday, I rode my bike from near 50 Penn over to Will Rogers Park then followed the path of this trail from there to the south.

1. This photo is looking north from NW 36th and Grand, right by I-44

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/biketrail1.jpg


2. Looking south from NW 36th & Grand. In these two first photos you see new, protected bike lane.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/biketrail2.jpg


3. Grand just south of Will Rogers Park. Not much happening in this area yet but the road has little traffic. The only major road to cross at this point is NW 23rd and they already have a really nice, fully marked crosswalk there, so it was a wait but a breeze.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/biketrail3.jpg


4. You stay on Grand until NW 16th. For now, the bridge is closed for complete rebuilding and the addition of dedicated bike lanes.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/biketrail4.jpg


5. Grand (now on the east side of I-44) takes you under NW 10th. The trail will then take you along the south side of NW 10th and then south on the west side of May. But Grand also takes you to the main gate of the fairgrounds (always closed to car traffic for reasons that continue to mystify me) and you can easily pass through it on your bike then cruise through the heart of the fairgrounds which is way more fun and interesting. Then you can ride over to May and catch the dedicated trail from there.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/biketrail5.jpg

6. The final obstacle before getting to the river trails is getting across the intersection at Reno & May. They do have well-marked crossings but of course you have to cross both streets to get to the east side of May. For now, there is no sidewalk on May just south of Reno but there is a dedicated path under the I-40 bridge which gets you to the river. For now, there is no connection to the river trails but I just picked up my bike and walked it across someone's yard.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/biketrail6.jpg


7. Once on the river trail you can head downtown or west to pick up the new MAPS 3 trail that takes you all the way to Lake Overholser and ultimately to Lake Hefner, where you can once again head south (when that trail is finished) and get all the way back to Will Rogers where I started.

As it happened, I wanted to go up Penn at least for a while but the picture below shows you how incredibly bad it is through there for anyone trying to walk, ride, push a stroller or use a wheelchair. It was just as bad on the other side of the street.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/biketrail7.jpg


8. Here is the path going in on the north side of 39th, where it will lead you to the existing light near the proposed Winco then across to the south.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/biketrail8.jpg

It's exciting to see dedicated bike paths going in (!!!), but it's depressing to see how decades of neglecting pedestrians and cyclists left so much work to be done. Thanks for sharing .

I serve on the Traffic Safety Commission in my city and the city is doing really good work to improve on these issues too, but there's just so many poorly designed areas that it's going to take decades to address just areas in the core.

Yesterday, I rode my bike from near 50 Penn over to Will Rogers Park then followed the path of this trail from there to the south.


Thanks for the pictures Pete. Can't wait. That second to last picture is so depressing, though. :( Really hoping bicycle infrastructure but especially sidewalks are a main priority going forward, which luckily it sounds like is being increasingly recognized/sought after.

Two more pictures from Shane Hampton from along Portland:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C7Th2ZvVsAAdJwa.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C7Th2ZvVAAEQRtX.jpg

https://twitter.com/shanehamp/status/843547387897548800

Thanks for the pictures Pete. I know the stretch in my neighborhood is already getting some use (50th to 39th) even if it isn't completely done. I suspected the bridge over 16th was closed to put in lanes for the trail but haven't gotten close enough to see for sure. It kinda sucks right now since this is my alternative route to work and with the Belle Isle bridge being a mess right now as well I have had to go to plan C.

Thanks for the pictures Pete. I know the stretch in my neighborhood is already getting some use (50th to 39th) even if it isn't completely done. I suspected the bridge over 16th was closed to put in lanes for the trail but haven't gotten close enough to see for sure. It kinda sucks right now since this is my alternative route to work and with the Belle Isle bridge being a mess right now as well I have had to go to plan C.

That, plus they're renovating the bridges in the area. 19th St was finished a month or two ago, and 27th(?) was being worked on a while ago. I'm hoping 10th St is next, it's crumbling like crazy on the bottom.

I noticed yesterday they have flagged the path areas along NW Expressway and NW 63rd.

16th St Bridge is open now. The bike paths are on both sides of the road.

Work began in earnest today on the SE corner of NW Expwy and 63rd and going East along the South side of NW Expwy. The have been digging out the path areas. It will be a tremendous change to actually see people using that area.

They have still got a long way to go in many parts of this trail.

This is the finished 16th Street bridge:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/16thbridge040217.jpg

Thanks for the pictures, I've been watching them put in the section along NWXY between Portland and Meridian over the past month or so. I wish future MAPS initiatives could dedicate about 10X more funding for similar efforts!

I noticed they are putting in sidewalks on NW 50th between Portland and Meridian as well. These aren't related to the trail are they?

I noticed they are putting in sidewalks on NW 50th between Portland and Meridian as well. These aren't related to the trail are they?
That is part of the Maps sidewalk project.

Erosion fencing is now up all along 63rd from Meridian to NW Expway and beyond.

Anyone have any pics?

I know this is going way back, but Pete -- where were you able to find the detailed construction plans included in the first post? I can't find them anywhere on the MAPS 3 site.

I know this is going way back, but Pete -- where were you able to find the detailed construction plans included in the first post? I can't find them anywhere on the MAPS 3 site.

I had saved them from way back. Probably from an agenda for the Sidewalks and Trails committee.

Trail along Grand Ave. between NW 16th St and NW 23rd is mostly dug out, but not yet poured. Looks like they've got most/all of the curb ramps installed too for the cross streets.

The connection between this trail and the East River Trail is underway by the last remnants of the old Sandtown neighborhood at May Ave and the Oklahoma River. I was down there Friday and it looked like the dirt work on the trail connection is basically done, but I didn't see any paving yet. I thought some of the houses on SW 5th were still inhabited, but based on the plans in the original post it appears that's not the case. In fact, it looked like some of the homes/structures on SW 5th have been demolished and others are being demolished, though the area has been become extremely overgrown in the last couple of years so it's hard to see from the East River Trail or from May. The neighborhood sign at the intersection of SW 5th and May is still standing, despite the fact that, apparently, no one lives there anymore.

Several years ago, Doug Loudenback did some in-depth posts on the history of the area, and it's pretty fascinating: http://dougdawg.blogspot.com/2013/02/sandtown-circa-1884.html

Took an hour and a half to explore parts of the bike trail along NW 63rd/NW Expwy/Portland tonight. Can post bigger versions of pictures later, but it's a nice trail. I'm excited for it to be finished (though I imagine the intersection of NW Expwy/Portland will be intimidating, even with a trail.

https://scontent-dft4-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/22228487_10155195814724200_1414933594595603400_n.j pg?oh=7d745a8f3d6c8471c40e20a7192378ad&oe=5A3C2911

Hey LocoAko is that a black labrador? A male black lab?

Took an hour and a half to explore parts of the bike trail along NW 63rd/NW Expwy/Portland tonight. Can post bigger versions of pictures later, but it's a nice trail. I'm excited for it to be finished (though I imagine the intersection of NW Expwy/Portland will be intimidating, even with a trail.


I agree, some of the crossings are (as of now) cause for concern. While I feel that NWXY and Portland can certainly be intimidating, at least it is a "big" intersection that raises a trail user's awareness due to the large visibility and traffic volumes. I think that Tulsa Ave & 63rd is more likely to "sneak up on you", as both drivers and trail users feel they are approaching a small neighborhood intersection.

Where the trail crosses Tulsa Ave, one has to pull their car entirely in to the trail in order to see east or westbound traffic on 63rd. With the new development (hotel, shopping) on the north side of 63rd, and a bus stop, I'm concerned additional traffic controls are needed. Tulsa Ave is a fairly busy street these days. It is the only way to go from 63rd to 50th with zero stops. I think many that would usually take Portland or Meridian simply use Tulsa because there are no stop signs or lights. (Try turning left (west) on to 63rd from Tulsa during morning rush hour!)

I've annotated some issues in this image. Merging traffic areas marked in red. Obviously, 63rd has a fair amount of non merging traffic as well:

https://i.imgur.com/iGBFFPF.png

The plans from the city indicate stop signs will be on the trail, but I still feel that more is needed:
https://i.imgur.com/xFJSXNE.png

I'm otherwise very excited about this project!

Hey LocoAko is that a black labrador? A male black lab?

Nope! (Even though that's what the adoption agency had said). We got a DNA test and he's 1/4 Blue Heeler (he has much more obvious heeler markings on his chest out of the picture), 1/8 Dalmatian, 1/8 American Staffordshire Terrier, and the other 1/2 was a mix of herding breeds overall -- we suspect mostly more heeler and border collie based on his coat. Needless to say that mix of breeds makes him a bit of a holy terror energy-wise, but we keep him around anyway... :tongue:

Sorry for the off topic discussion -- back to your regularly scheduled programming!

I agree, some of the crossings are (as of now) cause for concern. While I feel that NWXY and Portland can certainly be intimidating, at least it is a "big" intersection that raises a trail user's awareness due to the large visibility and traffic volumes. I think that Tulsa Ave & 63rd is more likely to "sneak up on you", as both drivers and trail users feel they are approaching a small neighborhood intersection.

Where the trail crosses Tulsa Ave, one has to pull their car entirely in to the trail in order to see east or westbound traffic on 63rd. With the new development (hotel, shopping) on the north side of 63rd, and a bus stop, I'm concerned additional traffic controls are needed. Tulsa Ave is a fairly busy street these days. It is the only way to go from 63rd to 50th with zero stops. I think many that would usually take Portland or Meridian simply use Tulsa because there are no stop signs or lights. (Try turning left (west) on to 63rd from Tulsa during morning rush hour!)

I've annotated some issues in this image. Merging traffic areas marked in red. Obviously, 63rd has a fair amount of non merging traffic as well:

https://i.imgur.com/iGBFFPF.png

The plans from the city indicate stop signs will be on the trail, but I still feel that more is needed:
https://i.imgur.com/xFJSXNE.png

I'm otherwise very excited about this project!

Strongly agree. I actually live just off of Tulsa between 50th and 63rd, so I know the issues you mention well, including the crazy drivers flying down Tulsa. It has already come up on Nextdoor about having to pull all the way into the bike trail path just to see oncoming traffic. I was hoping they could put in a flashing light-up crosswalk, but I'm sure those are expensive. But unfortunately, I do foresee issues there. Hopefully it winds up being better than we suspect.

Thanks for all the great photos and info.

Been meaning to post that the trailhead parking and rec area at the southernmost part of this trail has been approved.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/trailhead.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/trailhead1.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/trailhead2.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/trailhead3.jpg

Nope! (Even though that's what the adoption agency had said). We got a DNA test and he's 1/4 Blue Heeler (he has much more obvious heeler markings on his chest out of the picture), 1/8 Dalmatian, 1/8 American Staffordshire Terrier, and the other 1/2 was a mix of herding breeds overall -- we suspect mostly more heeler and border collie based on his coat. Needless to say that mix of breeds makes him a bit of a holy terror energy-wise, but we keep him around anyway... :tongue:

Sorry for the off topic discussion -- back to your regularly scheduled programming!

Yezzir. Beautiful dog man.

I just got a DNA test for my "black lab"....waiting on the results now.

63rd and Tulsa has long been a problem just for cars. Almost everybody makes a left turn there and it's a terrible place to not have a light. IMO they just need to put in a light with a button and call it good. That said, the light should be timed so that the NW Exp traffic turning onto it from the northbound lanes should trigger the tulsa light to stay green to get that traffic cleared...

63rd and Tulsa has long been a problem just for cars. Almost everybody makes a left turn there and it's a terrible place to not have a light. IMO they just need to put in a light with a button and call it good. That said, the light should be timed so that the NW Exp traffic turning onto it from the northbound lanes should trigger the tulsa light to stay green to get that traffic cleared...

Shawnw, I 110% agree wtih you. This bike path has alot of margin for error from Meridian and 63rd, up to Tulsa. I noticed yesterday that there isn't much room between the bike path and 63rd in this stretch, and the cars entering 63rd from the south neighborhood have to pull well across the bike path to see evaluate traffic on 63rd before turning right or left. Hope vehicles and bikers all pay attention, as there could be some potential accidents in this area.

There are a couple solar-powered LED lights along the trail between NW 23rd and NW 16th St.

This entire path seems to be coming together. The stretches through Will Rogers park -- inlcluding a small bridge -- are almost complete.

This is the parking area at southern terminus near the OK River. You can see the path in the second picture which is the connection to the river trails.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/trail101417a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/trail101417b.jpg

Nope! (Even though that's what the adoption agency had said). We got a DNA test and he's 1/4 Blue Heeler (he has much more obvious heeler markings on his chest out of the picture), 1/8 Dalmatian, 1/8 American Staffordshire Terrier, and the other 1/2 was a mix of herding breeds overall -- we suspect mostly more heeler and border collie based on his coat. Needless to say that mix of breeds makes him a bit of a holy terror energy-wise, but we keep him around anyway... :tongue:

Sorry for the off topic discussion -- back to your regularly scheduled programming!

So weird that they told you lab. Just from that one picture, it is very obvious he has a lot of heeler in him. His coat and face both give it away.

Is this whole trail already opened? How do I put it into Google maps? This is the route I could actually take to work which would be much safer than what I'm doing....

Is this whole trail already opened? How do I put it into Google maps? This is the route I could actually take to work which would be much safer than what I'm doing....

It isn't officially open, and there are still seemingly random sections that aren't paved yet (for example, part of NW Expy between NW 63rd and Portland, and I believe Meridian between NW Expy and NW 63rd), but it may work for you depending on where you're going.

The path is complete (except for some residual landscaping) from the bridge over the storm drain on NW Expy between Portland and 63rd west to the condos about 3 blocks east of Meridian. From there the initial asphalt is down but many of the curb cuts are unfinished, including the ones at 63rd and Meridian. No paving from there north to NW Expy, just some of the driveway rebuilds.

OKC officials: Trail money unlikely to support new businesses

By: Brian Brus The Journal Record October 16, 2017

OKLAHOMA CITY – Millions of dollars in MAPS 3 funds to create walking trail links across the city is unlikely to produce much business along the route, city officials said.

Residents have tended to operate in one of two modes with little crossover when it comes to attractive outdoor spaces: active lifestyle or restaurants. But that’s changing, said Susan Hooper, chairwoman of the MAPS 3 Citizens Advisory Board Trails and Sidewalk Subcommittee.

“I think we can be both. I think we’re striving for both,” she said. “But I do think we have to be very conscientious about moving forward and making a plan for what the development might be.”

Several years ago, city leaders responded to constituents’ demands for more park space and healthy lifestyle options by including trail projects, river district improvements and new sidewalks as part of the $777 million MAPS 3 ballot issue. Those projects were approved by voters in 2010.

Work is scheduled to begin soon on a 9-mile stretch of walking trails referred to as the Will Rogers connection. That trail will link the Oklahoma River trail at May Avenue to Lake Hefner at Meridian Avenue. The work will cost about $9.7 million. Hooper’s group is scheduled to review the project phases at a meeting Oct. 25.

David Todd, the city’s MAPS project manager, said one more major trails project at Lake Draper is due to be bid at the end of this year. That trail is 13 miles.

Board member Hal McKnight said he has a strong passion to expand the city’s trail system, but he’s got to hold business development at a distance, at least for now. A healthier lifestyle for the city overall is its own reward, he said, which will generate other benefits as a consequence. If that proves to be coffee shops along the trail, it will be largely market-driven.

“From a commercial standpoint, it’s one of the gems of why businesses would want to locate in Oklahoma City, our renewed statement of wellness,” McKnight said. “It’s one thing if you create all this stuff and there’s no impact.

“But we’re seeing an incredible impact on the lives of our citizens and people who are coming from a farther distance to visit those trails.”

McKnight also pointed to lessons learned from the eastern side of Lake Hefner. Almost 15 years ago, council members agreed to allow zoning for a few restaurants balanced against public outcry for spoiling the scenery. The east side of the lake now has four restaurants near the marina.

Hooper said her group was created for the purpose of overseeing MAPS 3 money use to meet the public’s expectations. Supporting business development is a different matter, but that doesn’t mean it won’t crop up in discussions someday and lead to new tasks.

“We’re very careful about not overstepping our job,” she said.

I rode this trail from NW 36th to the Reno yesterday. It's a Godsend for me, as I was using Villa and that is way more dangerous than this separated lane. I very much enjoyed the smooth ride.

I rode this trail from NW 36th to the Reno yesterday. It's a Godsend for me, as I was using Villa and that is way more dangerous than this separated lane. I very much enjoyed the smooth ride.

Is everything pretty much done now for that section?

I know the path along NW Expressway is moving along now.

There are a couple of sections that have a little detail to be finished, like the edges of the trail need trimmed and capped in some areas. It is definitely usable now, though. I think the connection at 10th north of the Fairgrounds needs to be complete, but the trail is finished on both sides. The crossing at 23rd is hairy, but that's because they are working on the bridge there.

There are a couple of sections that have a little detail to be finished, like the edges of the trail need trimmed and capped in some areas. It is definitely usable now, though. I think the connection at 10th north of the Fairgrounds needs to be complete, but the trail is finished on both sides. The crossing at 23rd is hairy, but that's because they are working on the bridge there.

Regarding the fairgrounds, I think it's more fun to cut through the grounds anyway.

You can ride through the main gate and south and then pick up the road that leads out to May, where you can jump back on the trail.

Wonder if they have finished the connection from the south end of the trail to the river trail?

Wonder if they have finished the connection from the south end of the trail to the river trail?

Yes Pete that connection is in place.

I rode most of the trail this weekend. My take is this: this trail makes possible a route that would otherwise be impossible, But it is not a fun ride. Even though you are on a seperated route you are still right next to traffic and the loud interstate and there are many many street and driveway crossings. It is not calming or scenic. In more than one place I crossed broken glass which is hazardous for bike tires (which is surprising for such a new trail).

Nonetheless I welcome the trail, as it adds a ton more flexibility to the River trail network, and should be good for commuters and those living along its route. But don't expect anything like the Katy Trail or West River Trail where you are really away from things.

I agree that there is a ton of traffic noise from the Interstate for most of it and many, many places where you have to cross traffic and be on hihg alert.

However, it does serve to make bike travel in that area possible and also closes a big loop between the river, Lake Overholser and Lake Hefner.