A $500,000 award for new sidewalks from the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) will help Oklahoma City leaders toward their long term goals of improving pedestrian access and encouraging economic development along I-240.
The sidewalks will connect the north and south sides of I-240 at May, Pennsylvania and Western Avenues and connect to existing sidewalks or bus stops. The three intersections are Texas turnarounds, which can be particularly dangerous for pedestrians to traverse.
"ADA compliant sidewalks will provide safe and easy access between the businesses and neighborhoods for all pedestrians,” Envision 240 Project Director Vince Howie said. “Goat trails are visible in the dirt where people are traveling to and from destinations without sidewalks. It’s exciting to think new sidewalks are coming to the area!"
Oklahoma City is contributing an additional $100,000 to the sidewalk project for a total investment of $600,000. The award was part of ACOGs 2013-2014 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding. TAP is a federal funding source in the MAP-21 legislation dedicated for bicycle and pedestrian projects. The award must be obligated within three years.
Envision 240 is a group of property owners, businessmen, civic leaders and citizens committed to establishing a Business Improvement District to revitalize the I-240 corridor.
Contact: Kristy Yager
297-2550 / 863-2831
Kristy.yager@okc.gov
