Staff: bridge contract mobilizing for Oklahoma East–West corridor; city to consider a $2.2M participation

Project staff updated the committee that the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority awarded the contract for the Canadian River bridge and planned mobilization in early March. They told the committee OTA agreed to construct some of the city’s Phase 2 drainage and approaches as part of its contract; staff estimated the arrangement could save Norman roughly $3.5–$4.0 million and that the city would participate at a level near $2.2 million (plus previously completed in‑kind work).

Staff said the agreement would be brought to council for discussion and potential approval, and that bid lettings for various segments (including interchange and paving packages) are scheduled throughout 2026 and into early 2027 depending on sequencing. The committee was also briefed that multiple bid packages and staging decisions remain fluid and that staff will continue reporting schedule changes.

Separately, staff noted ODOT’s Highway 9 corridor study and a forthcoming presentation of a safety audit and concepts to CPTC. No formal action or appropriation was taken at this meeting; staff will bring the proposed city–OTA agreement to the March 10 council agenda.