Final construction underway for Oklahoma City Boulevard

Contractors for the state began construction this week on the final phase of the Oklahoma City Boulevard.

Work is expected to continue through mid2019 on the section between E.K. Gaylord Boulevard and N Klein Avenue. The boulevard follows the former alignment of Interstate 40.

The project includes restoring freeway lighting that has been nonfunctional for some time.

The near south edge of downtown will be transformed over the next two years by completion of the boulevard and construction of the MAPS 3 streetcar, convention center and park, and a new parking garage and convention center hotel.

Public and private investment in the projects approaches $900 million, most of it public.

Boulevard features

The boulevard includes a bridge over a reconfigured Western AvenueClassen Boulevard intersection.

A pedestrian-friendly design with landscaping and enhancements to slow down traffic is planned for the boulevard adjacent to the hotel, Chesapeake Energy Arena, the park and a streetcar stop.

Previously completed sections connect the boulevard to the realigned I-40, east of E.K. Gaylord and west of Klein.

Downtown traffic will be affected by demolition and paving work as the boulevard progresses, said Lisa Shearer-Salim, Oklahoma Transportation Department spokeswoman.

The city has been issuing weekly updates on downtown lane, street and intersection closures.

The Oklahoma Transportation Commission awarded a contract in December for up to $27 million to Allen Contracting and Shell Construction of Oklahoma City to finish the boulevard.

When complete,the fourlane boulevard becomes a city street maintained by Oklahoma City.

Lighting vandalism, thefts

Lighting on the realigned I-40 has been out of order due to vandalism and thefts of copper wire, Shearer-Salim said.

Shearer-Salim said $500,000 was included in the boulevard contract to restore I-40 lighting.

Once freeway lighting is restored and light poles have been modified to resist vandalism, the I-40 lights will become Oklahoma City’s maintenance responsibility.

Shearer-Salim said the I-40 lighting is undergoing the third repair since 2014. Previous repairs have cost in excess of $300,000, she said.

“This crime costs taxpayer money,” she said.

Lighting restoration is slated to be finished early in the project, ShearerSalim said.

“We recognize this is a safety issue for drivers,” she said.