Greener Pastures????

[bmrsnr]

So are there actually any current plans for subsequent MAPS projects? I know MAPS for Kids is in effect, but there have been posts referring to MAPS III-V? Any links to these if they exist?

[Patrick]

So are there actually any current plans for subsequent MAPS projects? I know MAPS for Kids is in effect, but there have been posts referring to MAPS III-V? Any links to these if they exist?

First, welcome to OKC Talk! We're so happy to have you here.

These are actually our dreams here, although, based on speeches by Mick Cornett, Kirk Humphreys, and Burns Hargis, there most likely will be subsequent MAPS projects following MAPS for Kids. It's important to note that even before MAPS for Kids was passed, many on this forum expressed the need for a MAPS II for schools. Thus, it's obvious that your voice is being heard here, as city leaders clearly payed attention to our cries for a MAPS II focusing on education.

[okcpulse]

Patrick, you're up late! (hahaha) I hope MAPS III will include transportation planning that will supplement local funding to make Oklahoma City's entire freeway system one of the smoothest in the nation. Nice freeways definitely give good impressions to visitors and passers-by.

[Sooner&RiceGrad]

Ummn... do smooth freeways mean anything? As long as they are drivable, no.

Yeah, me and Patrick used to be regulars past midnight.

[okcpulse]

Actually, yes, they do Sooner&RiceGrad. Smooth freeways lower auto maintenance costs significantly. Bumpy freeways (although driveable) accelerate the wear and tear on shocks and struts.

[Patrick]

Ummn... do smooth freeways mean anything? As long as they are drivable, no.

Yeah, me and Patrick used to be regulars past midnight.

What happened Soonergrad? lol!

Keith told me he woke up this morning around 4:30 AM.......that's about the time I was going to bed! I'm just a night owl.

Anyways, keeping smooth roads are just difficult in a state where the ground shifts so much. I think we need to consider alternative ways to construct highways. Whitetopping, as was used on Hefner Parkway and the new Broadway Extension, is definitely an alternative. Hefner Parkway has been inplace for 10+ years now, and it's still smooth.
Unfortunately, each roadway will have to be taken on a case by case basis, until all of the roads are resurfaced.

Locally, I think we need to reconsider using asphalt on our streets. It just isn't as durable as concrete.

[okcpulse]

Yeah, Patrick, you were up late, lol!

Whitetopping is the standard for freeway construction, now. It will be used for the new I-40. Unfortunately, it cannot be used for resurfacing. Only reconstruction.

I'm not sure how I feel about the oil and chip seal the city recently laid on the surface of Hefner Road between Portland and Rockwell. A little rough, but it will prevent potholes. For now.

[Nuclear_2525]

A little off subject, but I thought I read somewhere that there were plans to come off of I-35 in between Norman and Moore and build a huge loop east and west around OKC. Does anyone know what I am talking about?

[Patrick]

A little off subject, but I thought I read somewhere that there were plans to come off of I-35 in between Norman and Moore and build a huge loop east and west around OKC. Does anyone know what I am talking about?

This would just be an extension of the KilPatrick turnpike, a master plan known as "the outer loop."

The next phase will be the SW loop extension, extending from the present turnpike/I-40 junction and looping around to meet with I-35 in between Norman and Moore. It's in the works, but it will probably be a long time before you ever see this plan put in place.

The SE loop is even further down the road, but is a possiblity in the future. Opposition from property owners have killed it for now, but as the metro continues to grow it may be reconsidered later.

[okcpulse]

Actually, nuclear2525, I do know the plans you are talking about. However, the loop mostly involves the Kilpatrick Turnpike. Plans are to extend the turnpike from I-40 where it ends now to I-35 between Moore and Norman. That section will loop in between Mustang and Will Rogers World Airport. Plans for the highway to loop through the east side of the Oklahoma City metro have been put on hold indefinitely from both a lack of growth to the east of the city and opposition from land owners.

[Nuclear_2525]

Is there a link to where I can see this plan?

[okcpulse]

I'm not sure, but it should be on the ACOG website (Association of Central Oklahoma Governments), I haven't checked myself.

[Patrick]

I don't believe it's on their website. It's actually been in the news in the past, plus I've heard ACOG talk about it in person. It's on their complete master plan for the Kilpatrick Turnpike. Their hopes are to eventually make the turnpike a loop that completely encircles the city. I believe I still have a copy of their 2025 plan. I'll see if I can find it over the next few weeks.

[Patrick]

Here's a brief reference to it from the Planning Commission site:

To accommodate future traffic demand, the Kilpatrick Turnpike Extension (extending westward from Portland Avenue to County Line Road, then southward to I-40 near Sara Road) is currently under construction. Possible routes for a southwest segment of the Outer loop are being evaluated by the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation as part of a Major Investment Study. The City of Oklahoma City supports locating this segment of the Outer Loop immediately west of the Will Rogers World Airport as shown on the map on page 37.

[Patrick]

Looks like the Sierra Club is of course opposed to the Outer Loop. This site sort of explains the Outer Loop more!

http://oklahoma.sierraclub.org/sprawl/lppstion.html

[Patrick]

Looks like the Chamber is working on it as well:

Outer Loop
Promote Environmental Impact Study (EIS) of Southwest connection between I-40 and I-35 to designate and protect this future corridor. The funds needed to do an EIS needs to be placed in the state's Eight-year Construction Program as development is threatening the future corridor path.