 An exchange agreement has been reached with the City and Wagoner County to complete work on east New Orleans Street and the 161st Street Bridge.
Construction on New Orleans Street, between 209th and 215th E. Ave., near Events Park, is expected to begin this September after the City of Broken Arrow and Wagoner County reached an inter-local agreement regarding shared public infrastructure.
The six blocks slated for the project are co-owned by the City of Broken Arrow and Wagoner County. Broken Arrow has jurisdiction over the westbound lane, and the eastbound lane is the responsibility of Wagoner County. However, as a result of the agreement, the City will take over the operations and maintenance of New Orleans Street between 209th and 215th E. Ave.
Both lanes east of 215th E. Ave. are owned and maintained by Wagoner County.
According to Broken Arrow City Manager Michael Spurgeon, the idea to improve these six blocks began prior to his arrival in 2015.
“Years ago, the City used leftover funding from a special appropriation from the Federal Government on a preliminary design to improve both lanes of New Orleans Street between 209th and 215th,” he said. “Before the design could be finished, though, the money ran out, and we had to wait until additional funds were available through the 2018 General Obligation Bond.”
In the meantime, Wagoner County was working on a roadway improvement project for New Orleans Street from 215th east to Highway 51.
“The County took over the City’s plan and designated it in the second part of our two-phased improvement project,” Wagoner County Commissioner Tim Kelley said.
In the fall of 2021, Spurgeon asked Assistant City Manager Kenny Schwab to engage with Wagoner County to work with the consultant to complete the design plans and see if it was possible to get the six blocks of New Orleans Street moved up into the first part of Phase One of the County’s project.
Wagoner County Engineer and Planning Director Rachael Cooper agreed with the City’s request, and after a couple of months, the entities had a completed plan. For more on this plan, go to East New Orleans Street improvement plan.
 Streetscaping such as this in the Rose District refers to the street's visual elements such as trees, plantings, signs, lighting, fencing and open spaces.
Citizen input is needed for the Complete Streets and Streetscaping Plan that will guide transportation improvements and right-of-way designs in the City of Broken Arrow.
The plan will be a guide for capital improvements in public places and will include recommendations and requirements for new development.
The term "streetscaping" refers to the street's visual elements (e.g., the road, adjoining buildings, street furniture, trees, signs, lighting, fencing, and open spaces) that combine to form a street's character.
On May 17, the City Council unanimously approved a request from the City Manager and the Community Development Department to proceed with the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process to hire a professional consulting firm to prepare a Complete Streets and Streetscaping Plan.
Individuals interested in serving on the Stakeholder Advisory Committee should go to the Application to Serve page on the City’s website.
For more information, go to Streets beautification plan.
One of the proposed projects on the list will widen 9th St. (177th E. Ave.) from Houston St. (81st St.) to Washington St. (91st St.) at a construction cost of $4,160,000.
A proposed list of more than 22 projects will be funded through the sale of the $40,000,000 in General Obligation Bonds Series 2022 on July 19. Under General Council Business at their June 20 meeting, the Broken Arrow City Council authorized Resolution No. 1465 that fixes the amount of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2022 to mature each year.
The bonds will mature as follows: $2,105,000 on Sept. 1, 2024, and $2,105,000 annually each year thereafter until paid, except the final maturity shall be in the amount of $2,110,000. The bonds will have a 20-year term.
The City Council intends to convene on July 19 at 6:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Building located at 220 S. First St. to consider the bids and take action on the bonds.
For more information including a complete list of projects, go to GO Bond Sale.
 According to a City ordinance, campaign signs are only allowed on private property and not on right-of-ways.
It’s campaign season and political signs are popping up all around the City!
While we wish each of the candidates luck in their endeavors, there are laws regarding sign placement in the City of Broken Arrow that will be enforced.
First, campaign signs must be located on private property and NOT in the right-of-way. The right of way is the section of the property closest to the street and up to the sidewalk.
“If there are no sidewalks in front of your home or business, a good rule of thumb is that there should be a 50-foot distance from the center line of the road to where private property is located,” Community Development Director Larry Curtis said.
For major arterial streets, that distance is typically 70-80 feet from the center line. So please keep that in mind when you place your favorite candidate’s sign on your property or business.
If you have any questions regarding sign placement, please call the Community Development Department at 918-259-2400 or send an email to planning@brokenarrowok.gov. For more information, watch it on YouTube.
 Forty This Machine bikes will be available throughout the Rose District for rent at a cost of $2 to unlock the bike and 15 cents per minute.
A new mode of transportation called This Machine hit BA streets on July 1 in the Rose District.
Using a mobile app, this locally-based bike rental option connects visitors and residents with bike share. This Machine's bikes are electric pedal assist and provide recreation and transportation to connect the community through cycling.
“This Machine is thrilled to bring bike share to Broken Arrow,” said This Machine Executive Director Katie Sawicki. “Broken Arrow has a lovely Main Street with bike-friendly streets, beautiful trails, and parks. We are excited to partner with Broken Arrow to connect residents and visitors to bike share for fitness and fun.”
Approximately 40 bikes will be available for use, with eight bike rack stations positioned around the Rose District. The pilot program will begin in the downtown area with plans to expand to other parts of the city in 2023.
“We are truly excited about This Machine bikes coming to BA,” said Broken Arrow Mayor Debra Wimpee. “Improving connectivity in our city is a priority, and This Machine provides an opportunity for our citizens and visitors to enjoy exploring all that Broken Arrow has to offer in a way that promotes sustainability, as well as a healthy lifestyle, within our community. Let’s ride!”
It costs $2 to unlock a bike and ride for 10 minutes, and the additional time after that costs 15 cents per minute. Go to the This Machine website to learn more about pricing and how to operate the mobile app.
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