Community Planning & Transportation Committee, 3/26/26

The City of Norman's Community Planning & Transportation Committee met on March 26, 2026, to discuss several transportation and infrastructure topics with a focus on safety improvements and transit services. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing a Highway 9 safety report presented by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Freese and Nichols. The report analyzed collision data and traffic operations, recommending access management strategies such as continuous grass medians, targeted speed adjustments, improved lighting, and potential new traffic signals to enhance safety along the corridor. The committee discussed phased implementation options, budget considerations, and the long-term timeline for major improvements, which could span 10 to 20 years. Additionally, updates were provided on public transit operations, including vehicle replacements funded partly by grants, ridership trends, and cost-saving measures. The committee also received progress updates on the 36th Avenue Northwest Phase Two project and announced recent grant awards totaling over $15 million for various transportation projects, including roundabouts and fleet purchases. The meeting emphasized ongoing collaboration between city staff, ODOT, and community stakeholders to prioritize safety and infrastructure enhancements while exploring funding opportunities.