Norman voters approved a $50 million bridge bond program on Tuesday that will fund the replacement, repair and rehabilitation of up to 18 bridges across the city.
According to unofficial results from the Oklahoma State Election Board website, 57.61% of voters voted for the agreement, while 42.39% voted against it. With all 60 precincts reporting, the proposition saw 5,766 votes with a margin of 878.
The proposition includes a 10-year, $50 million program and contingency funding for unexpected changes in priority due to emergencies.
The proposition also includes an increase in property taxes over a minimum period of 20 years, according to a press release from the city.
General estimates per month are $2.44 for a $100,000 home, $5.10 for a $200,000 home and $7.75 for a $300,000 home according to the release.
The city of Norman is solely responsible for the maintenance of 80 bridges, a quarter of which were constructed prior to 1950, and 300 culvert crossings. By federal law, each of the city’s 80 bridges receives a detailed inspection and evaluation every two years.
Four major bridge failures have occurred in Norman since 2016. Some of the 20 bridges that need repair or renovation include Havenbrook Street bridge, West Main Street bridge, Imhoff Road bridge and 60th Avenue Northeast bridge.
"As referenced by the passage of this proposition and the water rate vote in June, Norman voters value reliable infrastructure and we are thankful for the opportunity to begin a process that will improve the quality and safety of more than a dozen bridges in our city — bridges that take residents to and from jobs, school, medical appointments, and other important tasks every day,” Norman City Manager Darrel Pyle wrote in a statement to OU Daily. “This is a vital investment to the overall health of our community, as the City of Norman is solely responsible for the maintenance of 80 bridges and 300 culvert crossings. Thank you, Norman!"
Mary Ann Livingood and Cooper Marshall copy edited this story.
