Oklahoma City Council approves final plans for first phase of MAPS 4 Innovation District connectivity projects
09/10/2024
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Oklahoma City Council approved final plans today for the first phase of neighborhood connectivity improvements in the Innovation District as part of MAPS 4.
This project, located in Northeast OKC, will enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety in the Innovation District and linkages to surrounding areas along the corridor.
MAPS 4 includes $27.8 million total for connectivity improvements in and around the Innovation District. Phase 1 of the project includes $5.1 million for key connections within the district, such as N. Lincoln Blvd. (south of 10th Street), N. Lottie Ave. and NE 8th St (west and east of Lincoln Blvd.).
Phase 1 improvements include:
- More than three miles of sidewalk accessibility improvements, including ADA compliance of existing sidewalks and curb ramps at intersections.
- Tier 1 protected bike lanes – the highest level of safety features for on-street cyclists – along NE 8th Street as recommended by bikewalkokc. The bike lanes will connect to existing bike lanes along N Lottie Avenue.
- Advanced pedestrian signals and traffic monitoring at six intersections to increase pedestrian safety.
- Beautification projects and landscaping along the corridor, including 178 new shade trees, 35 benches, aesthetic enhancements and bike racks.
“These improvements will enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists. From the shade trees and benches to the safer intersections, every aspect of this project has been designed with the community in mind, to encourage connectivity and walkability,” MAPS 4 Program Manager David Todd said.
The Innovation District Neighborhood Connectivity Master Plan was approved by City Council in January 2023. Construction on phase 1 of the project is expected to begin in early 2025.
Visit okc.gov/maps4 to learn more.
About MAPS 4
MAPS 4 is a debt-free public improvement program funded by a temporary penny sales tax that will raise a projected $1.07 billion over eight years. Oklahoma City voters approved the sales tax to fund MAPS 4 in a special election on Dec. 10, 2019, moving forward with a unique and ambitious plan to transform our community. The temporary penny sales tax funding MAPS 4 began April 1, 2020, and ends in 2028. More than 70 percent of MAPS 4 funding is dedicated to neighborhood and human needs. The rest is for quality of life and job-creating initiatives. The MAPS 4 Citizens Advisory Board and its six subcommittees will guide MAPS 4 planning and implementation, making recommendations to the City Council. The Council has final authority on MAPS 4. The MAPS Investment and Operating Trust developed a strategic investment plan to support long-term sustainable funding for MAPS 4 projects' operational expenses and maintenance. Visit okc.gov/maps4 for more.
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Media Contact: Kristy Yager, (405) 297-2550, kristy.yager@okc.gov
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