Jenks Town Hall: Elm Street Widening Project (111th Street to 131st Street)

Good evening, everyone! Tonight, we're diving into a major project that's set to reshape how we travel through Jenks: the Elm Street widening project, specifically the stretch from 111th Street to 131st Street. This isn't just about making the road bigger; it's about improving daily commutes and planning for the future growth of our city.

Understanding the Elm Street Widening Project

The Elm Street widening project is a significant undertaking, aiming to transform the current two-lane road into a five-lane thoroughfare. This includes two lanes in each direction and a center turn lane. The project is divided into two phases, with Phase 1 focusing on the section from 111th Street to 121st Street, and Phase 2 extending this to 131st Street. This expansion is expected to take about 18 to 24 months to complete. While this will undoubtedly cause some disruption, the long-term benefits are substantial, aiming to improve traffic flow and safety for everyone.

Key Takeaways

• Project Scope: Widening Elm Street from 111th Street to 131st Street, creating a five-lane road (two lanes each way, plus a center turn lane).
• Timeline: Estimated completion within 18 to 24 months.
• Phased Approach: Phase 1 covers 111th to 121st Street; Phase 2 covers 121st to 131st Street.
• Funding: Primarily funded by the 2020 Geo Bond issue, with some initial design funding from the Vision Extension Fund.
• Impact: Expect traffic delays and detours during construction; efforts are being made to minimize neighborhood impact.
• Improvements: Includes intersection upgrades, potential trail additions, and traffic signal enhancements.

Why This Project Matters

Mayor Corey Box highlighted that this project is arguably the most significant infrastructure improvement the city will undertake, impacting residents' daily travel to and from their homes. He acknowledged the potential frustration but emphasized the long-term goal of creating a "super five" lane road, as Councilor Short calls it, allowing for smoother travel all the way to 131st Street. This is particularly important given Jenks' recent recognition as the second-best city in Oklahoma, a ranking that is expected to improve further with these infrastructure upgrades.

The project's history dates back to voter approval in 2020, with the initial planning and design phases taking time. This included selecting engineers, acquiring necessary right-of-way, and relocating utilities to ensure a smooth construction process. The city aims to avoid the extended timeline seen with past projects, like the Main Street widening, by having a clear plan and dedicated funding.

Project Details and Phases

Robert Carr, the Assistant City Manager and former City Engineer, provided a detailed overview. The project involves intersection improvements at 111th Street, adding turn lanes, and widening the road from its current three lanes to five. Phase 1, currently underway, covers the stretch from 111th to 121st Street. Phase 2, which is in the design phase, will extend these improvements to 131st Street. Additionally, improvements are planned for the 116th Street intersection, including a trail on the south side and traffic signal upgrades with battery backup.

The city has assembled a team of experts for this project, including representatives from Paragon Construction, the design engineer Keith Markwart, and construction oversight project manager Randall White. Their collective experience is expected to guide the project to successful completion.

Addressing Community Concerns

Several community concerns were raised and addressed during the town hall. One common question was about the possibility of weekend or evening work to speed up the timeline. While understood, the city noted that such work can be more expensive and may not always be beneficial due to daylight limitations and potential disruption to residents. The decision to avoid night and weekend work also considers the impact on nearby neighborhoods, aiming to minimize noise and disturbance during off-hours.

Concerns about traffic being diverted through neighborhoods like Fox Run or onto residential streets like 106th Street were also addressed. The city stated that traffic will not be intentionally diverted through neighborhoods. While individual drivers might choose to use these routes, the city and its police department will monitor traffic patterns and address any dangerous driving or speeding issues that arise. Residents are encouraged to report any such concerns.

Regarding the timing of the Elm Street project in relation to the Highway 75 project, the city clarified that they cannot control the state's Department of Transportation schedules. They believe it would be imprudent to delay their own voter-approved project waiting for another. The city is coordinating its north-south corridor projects, ensuring that Elwood is completed and that Elm Street will be finished before any new major projects begin on their other north-south corridor.

Future Plans and Communication

While roundabouts were discussed as a potential traffic solution, the city noted that the current project scope focuses on widening the existing alignment. Implementing roundabouts would require significant right-of-way acquisition and major reconstruction, which was not feasible for this particular project. However, the city continuously evaluates traffic solutions.

Public safety during construction was also a key topic. The city assured residents that public safety personnel are experienced in navigating construction zones. With a new fire station nearing completion, response times are expected to remain efficient. The police department will also monitor areas experiencing increased traffic due to the construction.

For ongoing updates, the city encourages residents to sign up for their alert system and follow their website and social media channels. The city is committed to transparency and welcomes feedback throughout the project's duration.

As City Manager, the focus is on making decisions that benefit Jenks for the next 100 years. While the transition period may involve some challenges, the ultimate goal is to provide improved infrastructure for future generations. The city appreciates the community's patience and support as they work through this important project.