Motorists in Norman should plan for detours as Crawford Avenue will be closed from Monday to Friday next week for construction, particularly on the section south of Gray Street. This closure is part of the Gray Street Two-Way 2019 Bond Project and involves installation of new storm drainage systems. During the closure, Crawford Avenue will only be accessible via Main Street, according to the City of Norman.
The project is funded by a bond issue approved by Norman voters on April 2, 2019. It includes 19 transportation projects, such as converting Gray Street from one-way to two-way traffic, street and railroad crossing improvements east of James Garner Avenue, and other infrastructure updates. The estimated cost is about $7.5 million, with $4.9 million covered by federal grants and the remainder from the City of Norman’s 2019 Bond Program.
Ellsworth Construction, LLC of Oklahoma City, the low bidder in a March 2024 ODOT bid opening, was awarded the contract and began work in August 2024. The project involves full reconstruction of the intersection with James Garner Avenue and includes pedestrian safety features, reverse-angle parking, updated lighting, paving, new sidewalks and gutters, landscaping, and a decorative traffic signaling system. The railroad crossing near James Garner Avenue will also receive new gates and controls to manage two-way traffic.
The schedule anticipates work continuing into late this year.
