It's all aboard for Norman residents as the newly-renovated Norman Train Depot will be dedicated at 8 a.m. today.
The depot has been inaccessible to the public since renovations began April 1, 2002. Planning for the renovations began in 1999.
"We're all excited to have the depot renovations be finally done," said Jim Polston, Norman Parks planner. "The depot is something very valuable to this community, and I encourage residents and students to attend the landmark event."
The ceremony will begin with speaker introductions from Mayor Ron Henderson. Special guests will include State Rep. Bill Nations, D-Norman, Paul Adams, director of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, and Ward 2 Councilman Richard Stawicki.
A ribbon cutting will follow to mark the completion of the project prior to a scheduled stop by the Heartland Flyer at the depot, said Scott Martin, assistant to the city manager.
The project is a joint effort of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Clour Engineering of Oklahoma, Amtrak and the City of Norman. Funding for the project was provided by a $480,000 Federal Transportation Enhancement Grant.
"Everyone's been working so hard to get this done," said Linda Young, renovations project manager. "The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has been especially supportive in providing the grants for the project. This is an important structure in Norman's history, and it's a popular place for our citizens."
Renovations included upgrading the depot's interior and its heating and air conditioning system, additional lighting and fencing, painting, repairing building bricks and the installation of a new built-up roof and lighting.
The project also constructed a new platform to provide train passengers with a secure area to load and unload and to bring the depot into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The additional exterior lighting was added for the safety of visitors, Martin said. Norman police will also increase their patrol to ensure visitor safety and deter vandalism of the newly-renovated depot.
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