Three Tulsa Intersections To Get Makeover

Tara Vreeland, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma – Construction started Monday on a project that involves three Tulsa intersections.

The form and function of the intersections will be improved, but it's also a beautification plan for the city.

The first intersection is 11th and Peoria; the next phase is up the street to East 6th Street and Peoria; and finally East 10th Street and South Elgin.

"I saw they blocked the parking lot over here and probably over here. How long it's going to be? I don't know," Ala Khatr, Corner Cafe Owner, said.

Waterline replacement started Monday morning right outside of the Corner Cafe.

"The customers see it's not easy access, they will keep going on. And go," Khatr said. "First thought that is coming to my mind is we're going to lose some business because some people can't get access."

Afternoon traffic backed up on Peoria, but the city says that's to be expected with any construction project.

"It's a beautification to make Peoria more pedestrian friendly and then to create a gateway to downtown from 11th and Elgin," Matt Liechti, Public Works Engineering Services, said.

The city expects the work on Peoria to take about five months. They'll bury some utility lines and revamp the streets. Traffic signals will also be replaced with decorative sidewalks and crosswalks, LED street lighting and cast-iron bollards.

"A traffic study was done and this was determined to be the most efficient way to pass traffic through this intersection," Liechti said.

The city's first "roundabout" is planned for the intersection of East 10th Street and South Elgin. Artwork is planned for the center island.

The projects will cost $2.6 million and are expected to take a year to complete.

"I hope they finish fast. That's the only thing," Khatr said.

Find all the latest construction projects in and around Tulsa by checking out the Daily Detour.