Commission approves signal request and interim all‑way stop at Wilshire and I‑344 ramps after staff speed study

The Traffic and Transportation Commission on June 15 approved a petition to pursue a traffic signal at Wilshire Boulevard and the Interstate 344 ramp intersections and directed staff to establish interim all‑way stop control while longer-term signal funding is pursued.

A neighbor representative, Randy Murray, told the commission that drivers commonly exceed posted limits and urged traffic-calming measures. "People coming over that hill are nearly always doing 45 or 50," Murray said.

Staff summarized a May speed study that monitored more than 33,000 vehicle readings and reported that 88% of those vehicles traveled at or above the posted 35 mph speed limit. Staff also reported an 85th percentile speed of about 47 mph at the study location and explained that the eastbound ramp side came closest to meeting peak-hour signal warrants.

Because the ramps are on a state highway, staff said ODOT (the Oklahoma Department of Transportation) must be consulted for any traffic-signal installation; interim all‑way stop control can be installed by the city without ODOT permission. Commissioners pressed staff for enforcement and public notice; staff said they will implement all‑way stop control, post public notice and forward the signal request to state authorities and the turnpike authority for funding consideration.

Motion and vote: Commissioner Martinez moved to approve; Commissioner Kins seconded. The commission approved the motion with six in favor and one abstention.

Next steps: staff will install the all‑way stop on an interim basis, provide public notice and forward the signal application to ODOT and the turnpike authority for consideration of funding.