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The Norman Transcript, October 22, 2009
By Transcript Staff
Public meeting set today on I-35 aesthetics
The City of Norman will host a public meeting regarding Interstate 35 corrifor aesthetics today at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 201 W. Gary St.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is making improvements which include expanding I-35 to a six-lane facility from the Canadian River bridge to U.S. 77, as well as reconstruction of the interchanges at SH 9, Lindsey Street and Main Street.
"The I-35 Widening Project presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to influence the visual impact of a highway corridor," Mayor Cindy Rosenthal said.
Steven Weitzman, of Creative Design Resolutions, will present design themes for the new bridges and interchanges, as well as retrofits associated with the I-35 transportation projects. Discussion of how to incorporate the design themes into bridges, wing walls, piers and planter walls will be presented.
CDR also will present images of the following connections along the I-35 corridor: U.S. 77, Tecumseh Road, Rock Creek Road, Robinson Street, Main Street, Lindsey Street, SH 9 East and SH 9 West. Aesthetics work on the U.S. 77 bridge is already done, Public Works Director Shawn O'Leary said, adding that work on the Rock Creek bridge is under way.
CDR has been retained by the Oklahoma Art in Public Places Division to assist Norman by providing aesthetic design consulting services for the I-35 transportation projects. Over the past year, CDR has collaborated with Norman community members to develop themes that represent Norman's diverse history and culture. The results of that collaboration will be shared during the meeting.