The route for an eight-mile MAPS 3 multi use trail that shadows Interstate 44 from Lake Hefner to the Oklahoma River was approved by City Council today. 

The I-44 West Trail will tie to the Lake Hefner trails at Meridian Ave,  staying on the west side of I-44 to NW 16th Street, then connect to the Oklahoma River Trail at May Ave. Aerial maps of the trail can be viewed at www.okc.gov/maps3.

Once built, the $13.8 million urban trail will open recreation and commuting opportunities for cyclists, runners, walkers and inline skaters from northwest Oklahoma City to the Oklahoma River. 

Points of interest along the route include Lake Hefner, Integris Health Center, Deaconess Hospital, Portland Plaza Shopping Center, Coronado Shopping Plaza, Will Rogers Park, Madison Elementary School, St. Clair Park, Linwood Elementary School, Girvin Park, State Fair Park and the Oklahoma River.

Three consulting engineering companies will spend the next six to eight months designing sections of the trail. Construction is expected to begin by spring 2015. The trail will be 12-feet wide along most of the route.

“We are excited about the urban trail and expect it will be widely used, particularly by commuters who want to bike to work downtown,” MAPS 3 project manager David Todd said.

The final routing took into consideration many complex factors including safety, points of interest, accessibility, connectivity, right of way constraints and the City’s trails master plan.

The public was invited to look at routing options and provide feedback on the trail proposals during a meeting in January at Will Rogers Garden Exhibition Center.

Work is currently underway on the seven-mile MAPS 3 West River Trail.  The scenic trail will connect Lake Overholser to Crystal Lake and the Oklahoma River.   

About MAPS 3
MAPS 3 is a $777 million construction program designed to improve the quality of life in Oklahoma City. It is funded by a one-cent sales tax initiative that began in April 2010 and ends in December 2017. MAPS 3 funds eight projects: Downtown Convention Center, Downtown Public Park, Modern Streetcar, Oklahoma River Improvements, Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Improvements, Senior Health and Wellness Centers and Trails and Sidewalks. 

Stay updated by logging on to www.okc.gov/maps3 or follow us on Twitter @MAPS3 or Facebook at Facebook.com/maps3.

Contact:  Kristy Yager, 582-0803
Kristy.yager@okc.gov