Intersection of Gray Street and University Boulevard to temporarily close

UPDATE, 8:43 AM, 4/9/26: Work has been delayed and will not occur April 9 or April 10. An announcement will be shared when the work is rescheduled.

POSTED 4/8/26: To facilitate decorative stamping and coloring of the asphalt paving for the Gray Street Two-Way 2019 Bond Project, the intersection of West Gray Street and University Boulevard will be closed from 6 p.m. April 9 to noon April 10. Westbound traffic on Gray Street will be redirected at Webster Avenue and eastbound traffic will be redirected on Lahoma Avenue.  Local traffic will be allowed beyond the closures as needed for business access.  Drivers are encouraged to be alert and follow all traffic control signage and detour routes.

Questions can be directed to the Department of Public Works at (405) 366-5453.     

History of the Project

On April 2, 2019, the citizens of Norman voted in favor of a Bond Issue to finance the local share of nineteen transportation improvement projects. The Gray Street Two-Way 2019 Bond Project consists of the conversion of Gray Street from a one-way street to a two-way street between University Avenue and Porter Avenue, and the installation of streetscape elements along Gray Street.  The intersection with James Garner Avenue will be entirely reconstructed to accommodate the future James Garner Phase 3 2019 Bond Project.  In addition to the roadway and streetscape work, improvements are required to the railroad crossing just east of James Garner Avenue. 

The total construction cost for the project is approximately $7.5 million. Of that, approximately $4.9 million will be paid by federal grants.  The remaining $2.6 million will be paid for through the City of Noman 2019 Bond Program.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation conducted a bid opening on March 21, 2024, for the Gray Street Two-Way 2019 Bond Project.  The low bidder was Ellsworth Construction, LLC of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  ODOT awarded the project on April 1, 2024.  Construction started on Monday, August 5, 2024.  This work is anticipated to be completed in April 2026.  The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is administering the construction of this project, with the assistance of WSB. 

Proposed improvements include:

  • New sidewalks
  • Conversion to reverse angle parking for on-street spaces
  • New decorative roadway lighting
  • Landscaping
  • Decorative paving elements
  • New curb and gutter
  • New Decorative Traffic Signals
  • Pedestrian safety improvements
  • Revised signing and striping for two-way operation
  • Reconstruction of the James Garner intersection
  • New gates and controls for two-way operation of the railroad crossing