The Norman Transcript

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November 6, 2009

Bond funds would pay for road replacement, outdoor warning system

By Andrew Knittle

If everything goes according to plan, the citizens of Norman will be voting on a pair of general obligation bond proposals in March 2010 worth more than $20 million combined.

The bulk of that will come from a $19 million renewal bond that will continue a street maintenance program started in 2005. Another $2.25 million bond is likely coming to replace the city's nearly obsolete outdoor warning system.

City of Norman officials announced Tuesday during a study session that projects associated with the 2005 street maintenance bond program, which includes work on 82 lane miles, will be complete in about a year. That bond issue was worth $10.9 million.

But unlike its predecessor, the new street maintenance program will include complete road reconstruction projects totaling about four miles. Rebuilding those 10 sections of road will cost about $4 million, city documents show.

While looking at a picture of a section of Himes Street, one of the roadways to be reconstructed under the proposed bond program, city Public Works Director Shawn O'Leary told the study session what was clear to see.

"This is gone," O'Leary said as he looked at street with massive holes and no discernible curb. "There is nothing we can rehab."

Roads to be reconstructed under the proposal include Hayes Street, between Flood Avenue and James Garner Avenue; Mosier Street, between Flood and James Garner; Mosier Street, between Cockrel Avenue and Carter Avenue; and Himes Street, between Flood and James Garner.

Other roads to be rebuilt include Johnson Street, between Flood and James Garner; Iowa Street, between Berry Road and Barbour Avenue; Iowa Street, between Berry and Pickard Avenue; Iowa Street, between Flood and University Boulevard; Nebraska Street, between University and Flood; and Dakota Street, between Berry and University.

Officials said the bond language for both the street maintenance program and outdoor warning system should be ready by a Nov. 17 study session and city documents show the bond proposal is due for a first reading during the Dec. 8 regular city council meeting.

City Manager Steve Lewis has said citizen surveys indicate voters likely will support a new general obligation bond issue to continue work on city streets and roads.

If the city council approves the language following a second reading Dec. 22, voters will decide the fate of the bonds March 2, 2010.

Andrew Knittle 366-3540 aknittle@normantranscript.com

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