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The City of Norman is hosting a public meeting to share information on the economic analysis and lessons learned regarding frontage road configurations along I-35. The meeting will be held on Thursday, July 17 at 6:00 p.m. at the Norman Holiday Inn in the Main Ballroom.
The City of Norman has initiated a study to assist in their evaluation of the I-35 Frontage Road system between Tecumseh Road and Main Street. This public meeting will share the information included in the study, focusing on the economic analysis and lessons learned relative to different frontage road configurations.
The upcoming widening of I-35 by ODOT has created the opportunity for an evaluation of the current configuration and possible alternatives. "We are at a juncture where design decisions will affect our community for the next 50 years. It is our intent to make those decisions based on sound professional information and citizen input," according to Mayor Cindy Rosenthal.
"We know that this is an important issue to our community, and that there are concerns about impacts to businesses, homes and general access," said Shawn O'Leary, Director of Public Works for the City of Norman. "We've undertaken this process to make sure that the City of Norman has a full understanding of the pros and cons of various frontage road configurations, including economic impacts."
The information presented at the meeting, along with public feedback, will be part of a larger report to the City of Norman City Council. The information to be presented to the public on the 17th represents only a portion of the overall evaluation - economics and lessons learned. The other portion - frontage road conceptual designs, evaluations and costs, is being completed in a separate study by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and their consultant team. ODOT officials and their consultants have been invited to share their findings on July 17 as well. The two studies will be compiled for review and consideration by the City of Norman City Council. The compiled study is expected to be completed in August, 2008.
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