Odot

[Plutonic Panda]

Well yeah, this Boulevard is happening; it's already half built.

The hope is that if they have less money then maybe in the future they just won't be able to afford to majorly screw up our downtown.

I am not a fan of the Boulevard either nor am I fan of ODOT. I see OkDOT as a very backwards agency with a very small town mentality of what they reach for. That being said, hoping they go bankrupt because of one project is very foolish. The economy would collapse if the freeways fell into disrepair and almost everyone would move out of the state.

[no1cub17]

I am not a fan of the Boulevard either nor am I fan of ODOT. I see OkDOT as a very backwards agency with a very small town mentality of what they reach for. That being said, hoping they go bankrupt because of one project is very foolish. The economy would collapse if the freeways fell into disrepair and almost everyone would move out of the state.

Can't believe I actually agree with you. You're exactly right - their small-town mentality of not realizing that most human beings are blessed with two feet to use for transportation has led to most of their absurd projects such as the Boulevard. Until they realize that not everywhere wants to be Edmond, this is what we're stuck with.

[Scott5114]

Well yeah, this Boulevard is happening; it's already half built.

The hope is that if they have less money then maybe in the future they just won't be able to afford to majorly screw up our downtown.

More likely you'll have incidents like we had in 2004, when a chunk of concrete came off the SH-145 bridge and killed someone driving underneath on I-35.

[riflesforwatie]

OTC did go ahead and vote to suspend work on several major projects in their meeting yesterday:

http://newsok.com/article/5547574

[jn1780]

The $88 million contract to widen I-235 to six lanes from N 36th Street to just north of N 50th Street is one of those that may yet be suspended. That project, which includes the replacement of an overhead railroad bridge and highway bridge, has been causing traffic disruptions for months. Suspension of the contract could extend those disruptions.

I hope they don't suspend this project. That truly is the symbol of a failed state if we have an unfinished road project sitting idle.

[TheTravellers]

I hope they don't suspend this project. That truly is the symbol of a failed state if we have an unfinished road project sitting idle.

It's not suspended yet, but is on a list of projects that's being scrutinized to see what they can suspend after this batch. Complete and unethical O&G pandering idiots running this state, they need to quit this penny-ante crap and raise the O&G production tax...

[Plutonic Panda]

So now we have every major OkDOT project in OKC looking at being suspended.

[Bunty]

So now we have every major OkDOT project in OKC looking at being suspended.

Anyway, one reason why oil companies should pay their fair share in taxes is because their heavy vehicles put a lot of wear and tear on roads. Maybe legislators who take money from oil companies would disagree that is true.

If Oklahoma was a well governed state, more and more people moving into the state would not work out meaning less money available for the highway system.

Oklahomans almost always vote back in legislators who have been cutting taxes and funding. So don't be surprised if those legislators think they have been doing something right. I wouldn't be shocked if the majority of the people who voted for them think they did something right, too.

[Plutonic Panda]

The state really doesn't seem interested in doing anything about the reform as they keep voting down almost any proposal that will generate serious revenue. The sessions coming to an end.

On a side note, it does appear that some steam is being lost across the state. What's with the major lack of new project announcements lately? Quick check on the news board reveals a Target remodel and a new community space center in Bricktown. At least for the time being we have some cool things under construction and a few nice things proposed, but that will only last for about 3-5 years which before you know it will be gone. I sure hope OKC sees some new cool announcements soon.

I sure am not hopeful in the least bit for any cool freeway projects in the metro as I'm worried about the ones the actually under construction. Road projects are good to be optimistic about as the GoBond will the biggest one yet and MAPS is being looked at for road improvements which might or might not go over well with the residents of OKC. I have a feeling it might be a good thing.

[LocoAko]

I think the entirety of Norman and OU fandom may march straight to the Capitol if the Lindsey Street project is halted and the bridge remains closed indefinitely.

[gopokes88]

I think the entirety of Norman and OU fandom may march straight to the Capitol if the Lindsey Street project is halted and the bridge remains closed indefinitely.

That was a tactical and smart threat to make the legislature get off their ass.

[Pete]

It's really, really lousy for those Norman merchants.

This needs to be resolved and very quickly.

[Plutonic Panda]

It's really, really lousy for those Norman merchants.

This needs to be resolved and very quickly.

isnt that due to the Lindsay St. project from the city of Norman? If so, that won't be affected by this. I'm sure the businesses could stand to have this bridge opened, but I'm willing to guess the city streetscape project is hurting them more than anything right now though that should pay off in higher property values.

[Zuplar]

I've always tried to be optimistic about this state, but it's getting harder and harder.

[gopokes88]

I've always tried to be optimistic about this state, but it's getting harder and harder.

Let's see how it all shakes out before we start this again. Politics is a messy everywhere. They've got time to fix it still.

[SoonerDave]

Let's see how it all shakes out before we start this again. Politics is a messy everywhere. They've got time to fix it still.

For reasons I'm simply not able to fathom, it seems everyone is operating under a resigned assumption that Fallin will call a special session for the revenue/budget situation. Nothing's happening right now.

I think the 800 lb gorilla in the room is the realization that *somebody's* ox is gonna get gored. Someone's taxes are going up, someones fees are going up, and likely severely. And no one is going to want to have their name featured as the one who sharpened the harpoon on any such legislation.

[gopokes88]

For reasons I'm simply not able to fathom, it seems everyone is operating under a resigned assumption that Fallin will call a special session for the revenue/budget situation. Nothing's happening right now.

I think the 800 lb gorilla in the room is the realization that *somebody's* ox is gonna get gored. Someone's taxes are going up, someones fees are going up, and likely severely. And no one is going to want to have their name featured as the one who sharpened the harpoon on any such legislation.

If that's what it comes too so be it.

I think they'd be surprised what would happen if tax increases went to the ballot.

[Zuplar]

Let's see how it all shakes out before we start this again. Politics is a messy everywhere. They've got time to fix it still.

I agree and totally get that, but it just seems like it's on going. Everytime I see some poll we are at the bottom if it's a good poll or at the top if it's a bad poll. I used to think those areas were always for your states like Mississippi. Things aren't that bad here. Well I think the news flash is we are in that same boat.

[jn1780]

I think any project that is already started should be completed even if it means a special emergency funding measure.

[Pete]

If even Lindsey re-opens they will continue to get clobbered without a way on and off the freeway.

[riflesforwatie]

If even Lindsey re-opens they will continue to get clobbered without a way on and off the freeway.

And there was this little bit in the NewsOK article:

"A separate but contiguous project is the widening of Lindsey Street from I-35 to Berry Road and drainage improvements to solve recurring flooding problems. Work on that project, scheduled to be completed by November, also is in jeopardy, Norman's Public Works Director Shawn O'Leary said."

"also in jeopardy" doesn't give me a great deal of confidence...

[Plutonic Panda]

I thought the Lindsey widening and streetscape project was paid entirely from the city of Norman? Is this not the case?

[MagzOK]

I thought the Lindsey widening and streetscape project was paid entirely from the city of Norman? Is this not the case?

Yes, the widening of Lindsey is supposed to be done with bonds.

http://www.lindseystreetnorman.com/

[Jersey Boss]

4 days left to address this and other budget items. The elected officials and their supporters embrace the philosophy of Alfred E Neuman when called out on their inability to make the hard choices that come with the job. "What, me worry?"

[Plutonic Panda]

OkDOT will be holding a meeting to present the preferred alternative for a new interchange on I-40 at Frisco Rd. in Yukon.

https://www.ok.gov/odot/Programs_and.../20170613.html