Gray Street traffic to switch to Two-Way on Friday, May 29th, 2026

As the Gray Street Two-Way 2019 Bond Project is approaching completion, the switch to two-way traffic on this road between University Avenue and Porter Avenue will occur on Friday, May 29th, 2026. In the area, electronic messaging is and has been in place to help publicize the upcoming change.

The switch is expected to happen in the evening on May 29, pending successful testing of the new railroad gates interface with traffic signals at James Garner Avenue and Gray Street. After the traffic switch occurs, there will likely still be work continuing along Gray Street related to streetscape and beautification elements. Travelers should remain aware of ongoing construction and follow all traffic control signage in place.

Questions can be directed to the Department of Public Works at (405) 366-5453.

History of the Project

On April 2, 2019, the citizens of Norman voted in favor of a Bond Issue to finance the local share of nineteen transportation improvement projects. The Gray Street Two-Way 2019 Bond Project consists of the conversion of Gray Street from a one-way street to a two-way street between University Avenue and Porter Avenue, and the installation of streetscape elements along Gray Street. The intersection with James Garner Avenue will be entirely reconstructed to accommodate the future James Garner Phase 3 2019 Bond Project. In addition to the roadway and streetscape work, improvements are required to the railroad crossing just east of James Garner Avenue.

The total construction cost for the project is approximately $7.5 million. Of that, approximately $4.9 million will be paid by federal grants. The remaining $2.6 million will be paid for through the City of Noman 2019 Bond Program.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation conducted a bid opening on March 21, 2024, for the Gray Street Two-Way 2019 Bond Project. The low bidder was Ellsworth Construction, LLC of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. ODOT awarded the project on April 1, 2024. Construction started on Monday, August 5, 2024. Work is anticipated to be substantially complete in June 2026. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is administering the construction of this project, with the assistance of consultant WSB.

Project improvements include:

• New sidewalks
• Conversion to reverse angle parking for on-street spaces
• New decorative roadway lighting
• Landscaping
• Decorative paving elements
• New curb and gutter
• New Decorative Traffic Signals
• Pedestrian safety improvements
• Revised signing and striping for two-way operation
• Reconstruction of the James Garner intersection
• New gates and controls for two-way operation of the railroad crossing

###