Transcript Staff

The City of Norman will host a public meeting to share information on the economic analysis and lessons learned regarding frontage road configurations along Interstate 35. The meeting will be 6 p.m. July 17 in the main ballroom of the Norman Holiday Inn, 1000 N. Interstate Drive. 

The City of Norman has initiated a study to assist in its evaluation of the I-35 frontage road system between Tecumseh Road and Main Street. The public meeting will share 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, city officials said.

“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,” Mayor Cindy Rosenthal said.

“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. “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 Norman City Council.

The information to be presented by the City represents only a portion of the overall evaluation — economics and lessons learned. The other portion — frontage road conceptual designs, evaluations and costs — is being compiled in a separate study by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and its 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 Norman City Council. The combined study is expected to be completed in August.