Join the festivities as Oklahoma City unveils the improved Broadway Avenue in Automobile Alley. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, at 11 a.m., where the community will gather to mark the completion of the "Better Broadway" streetscape project. Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt will spearhead the event, located on the southeast corner of Broadway Avenue and NW 9th Street, as reported by the City of Oklahoma City's news release.
The initiative, aimed at enhancing walkability, safety, and accessibility in the historic district, features a series of substantial changes. Crosswalk striping at each intersection, and flashing pedestrian signals at NW 7th and 9th Streets promise to direct foot traffic more efficiently. Among these developments, bump-outs have been constructed to shorten crossing distances across the now ADA-compliant intersections.
Drivers, too, can expect a smoother experience with reconfigured on-street parking that has introduced angled slots, increasing the capacity by 30 additional spaces. This includes 15 ADA spaces, equipped with convenient ramps and access aisles. Moreover, improvements extend from NW 13th Street all the way to Dean A. McGee Avenue, encompassing resurfaced roads and refurbished sidewalks on offer for locals and visitors alike, as per the City of Oklahoma City's website.
Enhancements haven't stopped at the pavement level: 28 new amenity poles have been erected on the west side of Broadway Avenue, primed for future adornments like banners and holiday ornaments. Furthermore, a greener Broadway emerges with 51 new trees planted, an effort funded by the Parks & Public Space Initiative through the Margaret Annis Boys Trust at Oklahoma City Community Foundation. The $5 million project drew finance from the Better Streets, Safer City sales tax election and Capital Improvement Project Funds, paving the way for a revitalized district that honors its rich automotive history.
Since slipping into disuse by the mid-'90s and grappling with the aftermath of the Murrah Federal Building bombing, Automobile Alley has seen a resurgence, groaning originally as a hub for car showrooms in the early 20th century. The Urban Land Institute and leadership from then-Mayor Ron Norick catalyzed the district's revival, which now celebrates a tapestry of local restaurants, boutiques, creative studios, and offices, retaining its charm while charting a course for modern functionality.
Oklahoma City's commitment to infrastructure and public safety improvements was embodied in the 2017 voter-approved package, Better Streets, Safer City. Including a 10-year, $967 million bond and sales tax initiatives, it underscores the ongoing dedication to enhancing the city's foundational services. The ambitious plan supports not only urban projects but also aids in adding more police officers and firefighters to the city's payroll—a boon for the community's well-being, as mentioned on the same news.
Those interested in witnessing the transformation firsthand and participating in the district’s renaissance can attend the ribbon-cutting event and see the future shape of Broadway. For additional information on the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
