The Downtown Master Plan (DMP), adopted by City Council in June, suggested that the control and jurisdiction of the portion of State Highway 66 which runs through downtown Sapulpa on Dewey be ceded from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and given to the City of Sapulpa. This is expected to greatly improve the character, function, and safety of the downtown transportation network.
Randall White, with ODOT, created a map showing the new routes and designations, which was presented at the Community and Economic Development committee meeting last week. The committee gave its full recommendation of the plan to the City Council.
At Monday’s regular City Council meeting, Widdoes explained that approval of the map and corresponding resolution is the first official step in the process with ODOT. Then the two entities will enter into an agreement. If any projects need to be maintained by ODOT, they will be taken care of first.
City Manager Joan Riley said that Street Department Supervisor Johnny Walker has inspected and okayed the streets and highways changing designations as a result of this resolution. She also said that new maintenance costs will have to be factored into the budget going forward.
The resolution was unanimously approved by the full City Council.
What this means for Sapulpa’s streets:
- Remove SH-66 and SH-33 designations on the roadway lying between Mission Street and the intersection of SH-117.
- Remove SH-117 designation on the roadway lying between Taft Street and Dewey Avenue.
- Add SH-66 and SH-33 designation to the Taft Avenue roadway lying between Mission Street and the intersection of SH-66/SH-33.
- Remove US-75A designation and add SH-97 designation to the Main Street roadway lying between Dewey Avenue and Taft Avenue.
- Redesignate and assist with signage on the roadway on Dewey Avenue between Mission Street and the intersection of SH-117 as “Historic Route 66.”
Widdoes explained to the Council that it is likely to take some time before the plan is complete, though one hopes it will be prior to the opening of the Christmas Chute, set to open in early November of 2022.
