The Public Works and Transportation Committee met at 5:30 p.m., January 27th, in the City Council Conference Room. Acting Committee Chair Lou Martin, Jr. conducted the meeting.
Update on 49th West Ave. and Highway 117 Plans
City Manager Joan Riley apprised the committee of the status of the project. She said the “warrant” study was done last year prior to the bond proposal to see if a traffic light was needed at that location. Riley said a preliminary design study and cost estimates have been completed, and the city is currently determining Right-of-Way acquisitions.
Update on Turner Turnpike Expansion
The Committee was provided the design proposals and aerial maps that were presented at the OTA (Oklahoma Turnpike Authority) meeting a few months ago at the Sign of the Times Event Center. Since the Committee had not met in quite some time, it necessary to bring Committee members up to speed.
Traffic Control Requests
The committee voted to take no action on a request for a speed limit sign on Jackson Ave. North, between Main St. and Hickory Ave. Public Work Director Steve Hardt said there had only been one request and Deputy-Chief Pete Sellers stated there were very few complaints about speeding in that area.
A citizen had requested a “Stop Ahead” flashing sign be placed on southbound Hickory Ave. before Teel Rd. The Public Works Director said the stop sign was visible 450 feet away. He stated the cost of such a sign would be $1,800.00. Committee Chair Lou Martin, Jr. suggested a “refresh” of the existing “Stop Ahead” sign. The Committee voted to refurbish or replace the existing sign.
The Committee Chair brought up the possibility of changing the directions of stop signs on the streets just west of Main Street near Bryan and Lincoln Avenues to facilitate easier access to the through streets. The City Manager, Deputy Chief, and Public Works Director were not supportive of the move. The Committee and City Manager agreed to a study throughout the city to see where to effectively place traffic control signs.
City Manager Joan Riley said that there would be an evaluation of all street signs in the city to determine which ones need to be replaced, stating it was not aesthetically pleasing to see faded or rusted signs.
Riley stated that, normally, traffic control requests are handled internally, but felt that bringing the items to the Committee provided better communication with the Council, the Committee, and the public. She further stated that she was implementing regular meeting dates for the several committees that currently exist. Each committee meets quarterly, at 5:30 p.m., in the City Council Conference Room. The schedule of Committee meetings dates may be found on the City of Sapulpa website.
