As part of a city conversion project, James Garner Avenue will be closed to traffic between Daws Avenue and Gray Street for roughly 30 days starting Wednesday.
A press release from the city of Norman states the closure is part of the Gray Street Two-Way Conversion between University Boulevard and Porter Avenue. James Garner Avenue will remain closed between Gray and Main streets to complete paving operations. This phase of construction includes reconstruction of the north and south sides of Gray Street and the installation of temporary pavement along James Garner Avenue.
Gray Street will be reduced to one westbound lane at the intersection, according to the press release.
“Travelers should follow all detour and construction signage to eliminate delays,” the release reads.
Ward 4 Councilmember Helen Grant said the project is voter approved and will be a hassle, but hopefully drivers plan their routes accordingly.
“Once the closure is complete, it will allow much better flow through downtown,” Grant said.
OU Daily reached out to Norman Public Works Director Scott Sturtz but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
Background
The project is part of the transportation bond program that passed in April 2019. The bond involves 19 projects including a traffic management center, widening and reconstruction of roads, traffic signals, sidewalks, stormwater drainage and multimodal bike paths.
James Garner Avenue closed between Main and Gray streets for roughly 30 days in December and January.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is administering the construction of the bond projects, with the assistance of WSB, a national engineering and design firm. Construction began in August 2024 and is expected to be completed in March.
Total construction cost is approximately $7.5 million, of which approximately $4.9 million will be paid for by federal grants, according to the release. The remaining $2.6 million will be paid for by the city’s bond program.
This story was edited by Audrey McClour and Madisson Cameron. Vanessa Essien and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
