|
Background:
On September 12, 2017, Oklahoma City voters approved the “Better Streets, Safer City” capital improvement program: the general obligation bond package includes $967 million in projects.
The bond package uses property tax revenue to fund basic infrastructure needs. Projects were grouped into propositions for street resurfacing and widening, bridge repair and replacement, traffic flow improvements, drainage improvements, new and renovated libraries, police and fire facilities, new and improved parks, transit investments and economic development.
To view more Public Works projects and locations around Oklahoma City visit the MAP
Highlighted Bond Projects
COMING SOON - Ward 3 Street Widening Project - SW 15th St from S Czech Hall Rd to the John Kilpatrick Turnpike is set to be widened.
This project will be completed in two phases. The first section is SW 15th Street, from S Czech Hall Rd to Mustang Rd. The second phase is SW 15th Street from Mustang Rd to the Turnpike.
This project helps accommodate more traffic by widening the road from 2 to 4 lanes with designated left turn lanes at all intersections. Construction is expected to begin May 2024.
|
IN PROGRESS - Ward 2 Drainage Improvement Project - The NW 56th and Western Ave intersection is currently under construction to build a new bridge and raise the road to help reduce flooding in the area.
The first phase of the project made roadway and drainage channel improvements. The second phase included the installation of erosion control features, called gabion baskets. This project is expected to be complete April 2024.
A before and after photo can be seen below.
 After
Have you noticed low water levers in sections of the Oklahoma River?
 Dredging of the Oklahoma River is underway and can be seen from multiple points.
Dredging is the act of removing dirt and sediment build-up, it is an important part of river maintenance to keep the river in peak operation.
“Our river boats have a narrow margin of clearance,” Jess Shumway, River Maintenance Manager said. “If we allow the river to fill with sediment it raises the bottom of the river and decreases the water capacity, then the boats begin to run aground.”
Current methods of dredging require the majority of water to be drained from the work zone. In the photo above contractors remove excess sediment with large construction equipment. The waterlogged sediment is hauled out of the river and placed in a nearby area to dry-out before disposal.
“Dredging is an expensive, invasive and ugly process,” Shumway said. “We recently purchased a floating hydraulic dredge that is less invasive and can remove sediment while the river is at full capacity.”
The new river dredge is operated by City employees and almost undetectable unless you know what to look for. Dredging areas are carefully selected to set-up large hoses through drainage channels to avoid blocking sidewalks and bike paths. The sediment slurry is pumped into the holding areas to dry-out before disposal.
New dredge operations are expected to require a year-round effort to keep up with the accumulation of sediment in the river.
Bring Tires, Computers, Medication and Ammunition
The annual Special Collection is scheduled for Saturday, April 6, from 9 am to 1 pm at the State Fair Park. Enter through Gate 5.
Oklahoma City residents are encouraged to bring unwanted computers, tires, ammunition and prescription medication for free disposal. Proper disposal is an important factor in keeping hazardous waste out of our landfills and protecting our environment.
Visit okc.gov/hhw to learn more about items accepted year-round at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center.
|
|
