OKC Boulevard

[HOT ROD]

when I think of grand opening I think of the project as finished; maybe a few very minor cleanup still needed. For example, Devon Tower or BOKPP or even the I-235/44 interchange - they weren't/wont be declared finished until the construction was complete AND the lights were on.

So why did ODOT let this contractor get away with the boulevard not even fully lit? It's not finished unless you can drive it as intended, just like the skyscraper is not finished unless you can move in. ..

Was there any collusion here? Pete.

[Rover]

when I think of grand opening I think of the project as finished; maybe a few very minor cleanup still needed. For example, Devon Tower or BOKPP or even the I-235/44 interchange - they weren't/wont be declared finished until the construction was complete AND the lights were on.

So why did ODOT let this contractor get away with the boulevard not even fully lit? It's not finished unless you can drive it as intended, just like the skyscraper is not finished unless you can move in. ..

Was there any collusion here? Pete.

Was the contractor for the paving also responsible as prime or general in charge of landscaping, lighting, signage, etc? Was ODOT the general?

[HOT ROD]

the road shouldn't have been Opened (IMO) without all of the critical elements completed.

I'd consider Paving, Lighting, Signage, and painting to be critical elements with the last 4 elements apparently missing or incomplete. It could open without landscaping but doing so gives one a sou taste in what is supposed to be a grand element of the city. Should have waited on the Grand Opening celebration until more (or all) elements were completed.

[jn1780]

I think Reno and Walker signals should have at least been functioning before considered "complete". I can understand the currently blinking lights to not be on because its actually easier for construction crews for these to remain blinking for the time being.

[OKC Guy]

Oklahoma Department of Transportation
@OKDOT
OKC: A new traffic signal is operational this evening at Oklahoma City Boulevard and Reno Ave. Motorists are advised to use caution in the area as traffic adjusts to the changing patterns at this intersection.
Image
5:23 PM · Sep 6, 2019·Hootsuite Inc.

https://mobile.twitter.com/OKDOT/sta...00280840638464

[hoya]

I drove through that area at lunch today, and it's like everyone has been chugging stupid juice. This was at Western and Reno. It's a simple 4 way stop, and yet one moron blew through it without even slowing down, and at least 4 other people couldn't figure out who had the right of way.

I seriously need a flamethrower on the front of my truck.

[Roger S]

I drove through that area at lunch today, and it's like everyone has been chugging stupid juice. This was at Western and Reno. It's a simple 4 way stop, and yet one moron blew through it without even slowing down, and at least 4 other people couldn't figure out who had the right of way.

Ahhhhh... The mysteries of an All Way Stop.... It's mind boggling to so many drivers.

[Pete]

Most the lights are now installed but all but the one at Reno are blinking.

I can't even imagine that 4-way stop at Reno and Western during rush hour.

[OKC Guy]

Most the lights are now installed but all but the one at Reno are blinking.

I can't even imagine that 4-way stop at Reno and Western during rush hour.

Lol, you got the rush right “rushin roullette”

[GoGators]

When do the monthly usage rate of OKC Boulevard start being released? 120 million dollars of tax payer money used and i don't see hardly anyone using it. It seems like using buses could have done the same job as OKC boulevard and costs 97% less. Also, you cant easily change the route of a boulevard. Plus the future upkeep of the boulevard could be in the millions of dollars. Finally, it is free to drive on, so it's probably not paying for itself.

Usage will probably pick up once the CC and hotel are complete, but will mostly be used by tourists.

[Bellaboo]

When do the monthly usage rate of OKC Boulevard start being released? 120 million dollars of tax payer money used and i don't see hardly anyone using it. It seems like using buses could have done the same job as OKC boulevard and costs 97% less. Also, you cant easily change the route of a boulevard. Plus the future upkeep of the boulevard could be in the millions of dollars. Finally, it is free to drive on, so it's probably not paying for itself.

Usage will probably pick up once the CC and hotel are complete, but will mostly be used by tourists.

On my commute to work at around 6:45 am, there is actually quite a few vehicles using it.

[Rover]

When do the monthly usage rate of OKC Boulevard start being released? 120 million dollars of tax payer money used and i don't see hardly anyone using it. It seems like using buses could have done the same job as OKC boulevard and costs 97% less. Also, you cant easily change the route of a boulevard. Plus the future upkeep of the boulevard could be in the millions of dollars. Finally, it is free to drive on, so it's probably not paying for itself.

Usage will probably pick up once the CC and hotel are complete, but will mostly be used by tourists.

Check it on event nights and once everyone knows it’s open

[Bellaboo]

Check it on event nights and once everyone knows it’s open

Last year, even with limited access, before and especially after Thunder games it's bumper to bumper heading West.

[Plutonic Panda]

On my commute to work at around 6:45 am, there is actually quite a few vehicles using it.

Don't let facts get in the way...

[catch22]

Pretty sure he was poking fun at the people saying the streetcar isn’t successful.

[Plutonic Panda]

Pretty sure he was poking fun at the people saying the streetcar isn’t successful.

Ah my bad. I missed the joke.

[GoGators]

Pretty sure he was poking fun at the people saying the streetcar isn’t successful.

Yes it was sarcasm using the streetcar arguments. I thought me saying that the boulevard is “probably” not paying for itself made it obvious. If I was making a serious argument I would have used “definitely” not paying for itself lol.

[jn1780]

Sarcasm or not, It remains to be seen if Boulevard gets anywhere near the original daily estimate ODOT released several years ago.

[betts]

When do the monthly usage rate of OKC Boulevard start being released? 120 million dollars of tax payer money used and i don't see hardly anyone using it. It seems like using buses could have done the same job as OKC boulevard and costs 97% less. Also, you cant easily change the route of a boulevard. Plus the future upkeep of the boulevard could be in the millions of dollars. Finally, it is free to drive on, so it's probably not paying for itself.

Usage will probably pick up once the CC and hotel are complete, but will mostly be used by tourists.

I see that, as predicted, the overpasses are giving shelter to the homeless. So thoughtful of ODOT.

[Pete]

^

Yes, the boulevard overpass over Western had a big camp set up on Sunday.


As far as traffic numbers, even if they do come up what we'll never know is how many of those people would have just taken Reno or one of the many other east/west streets in the immediate area.

[Bullbear]

im assuming they haven't finished the landscaping.. it was looking promising but is now an overgrown mess

[Pete]

im assuming they haven't finished the landscaping.. it was looking promising but is now an overgrown mess

They still have to do the eastern and central sections.

[Bullbear]

the west portion that they did is the overgrown part.. but perhaps they have only done the rocks and trees and plantings and no sod so those areas are overgrown

[jn1780]

the west portion that they did is the overgrown part.. but perhaps they have only done the rocks and trees and plantings and no sod so those areas are overgrown

It's a case where the whole project is not done so it hasn't been turned over to the city for weekly upkeep.

[Plutonic Panda]

I see that, as predicted, the overpasses are giving shelter to the homeless. So thoughtful of ODOT.

I am not sure I get the point of statements like these. Should we not build any overpasses out of fear the area beneath will be occupied by homeless?