Frequently Asked Questions
Moving Forward
Comprehensive Transportation Plan
City of Norman, Oklahoma
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Comprehensive Transportation Plan?
Planning is the process by which a community assesses what it is and what it wants to become, and then decides how to make that happen. A transportation plan addresses the relationship between transportation and land use, and helps implement community values and the ability to connect neighborhoods to destinations. The Plan will identify future transportation needs of the area, goals and policies, and short-term and long-term capital investments for improvements to existing roads, construction of new roads, bicycle, pedestrian, and transit facilities. It will provide a framework for a balanced transportation system that offers choices in how people travel, supported by a realistic approach to fund improvements. Moving Forward will consider all transportation modes including vehicles, bicycling, walking, and public transit services.
Why do we need to Plan?
As congestion increases on area roadways due to growth, development, and more travel through the region it is clear that the current transportation network in Norman will not be sufficient to accommodate future needs and economic development opportunities. In addition, it is important to address alternative transportation options, and ensure consistency with the regional 2030 Oklahoma City Area Regional Transportation Study (OCARTS) and federal legislation. Beyond these reasons, long-range transportation planning makes good sense. Planning involves citizens and key stakeholders, increases efficiency and effectiveness of investments, and promotes a broader range of transportation services and infrastructure design that is consistent with the desires and character of the community.
Will I be able to add input to the process?
Absolutely! You may help influence the shape and content of the Comprehensive Transportation Plan by participating throughout the community listening process. The Plan is as much a process to engage the public in local decisions as it is to create a document for guiding development and community investment priorities. The community listening process will be conducted in October and November 2011 as a way for people with different perspectives to articulate the sort of community they would like to live in and the type of transportation system to leave for future generations. Opportunities to provide input through the community listening process include the following dates and locations. You are welcome to attend any of these meetings at your convenience.
Date Location Address Time Council Ward
October 17 Washington Elementary 600 48th Avenue S.E. 6:30 pm 5
October 19 Monroe Elementary 1601 S. McGee Dr. 6:30 pm 2
October 20 McKinley Elementary 728 S. Flood Avenue 6:30 pm 4
October 24 Eisenhower Elementary 1415 Fairlawn Drive 6:30 pm 6
October 27 Kennedy Elementary 621 Sunrise Street 6:30 pm 1
November 7 Madison Elementary 500 James 6:30 pm 7
November 9 Truman Primary 601 Meadow Ridge Rd 6:30 pm 3 & 8
Who is conducting the planning process?
A Steering Committee of Norman City Council members and a Citizen Visioning Committee of community members is providing recommendations and helping guide the community listening process and the preparation of goals and policies for the Transportation Plan. The City has also hired the consultant firm H.W. Lochner, Inc. to lead the community listening process which will result in a series of community transportation planning goals and policies. This information will be used for the next phase of planning to prepare the Comprehensive Transportation Plan. Lochner is a national transportation, planning, and engineering firm founded in 1944 providing services nationwide through offices in Oklahoma and 17 other states, and has a nearby local office in Oklahoma City. The firm has assisted cities in the planning and preparation of community plans, transportation plans, and infrastructure design for over 50 years.
What is the timeline? When will the Plan be completed?
The community listening process is now underway with various community meetings and opportunities to receive information through web sites and social media including the City of Norman Facebook page. After obtaining input from the community, the transportation planning goals and policies are expected to be finalized by December 2011.
Contact information:
For more information please contact David Riesland, Assistant City Traffic Engineer, at the City of Norman by telephone at (405) 217-7762 or by E-mail at Moving.Forward@normanok.gov.