City Of Tulsa Breaks Ground On New Construction Project

The City of Tulsa says Yale between 81st and 91st is one of the most dangerous places where people in Tulsa drive.

That's one of the reasons they're getting ready to re-do that entire area. It's the largest street project in the city's history and will cost $30 million.

Mayor G.T. Bynum says the city has been talking about doing this project since 1997.

The stretch of South Yale Avenue between East 81st and East 91st will soon go from two lanes to six.

"Turning out on a two-lane road, versus a six-lane, it will actually be easier," says City Engineer Paul Zachary.

The city broke ground on the project Monday, and Mayor G.T. Bynum says the in addition to adding more lanes, a retaining wall will also be added to hold the road in place.

The mayor says the road cannot handle the number of people who drive on it daily.

"One of the real dangers of the road right now isn't just the driving conditions, it's the fact that the road that is there now is sliding down the hill, it is not properly anchored," he said.

City Engineer Paul Zachary says this is a complex project. At the first of the year, drivers can expect the road to be closed for four months, only open for people who live in the area.

He says landscaping and sidewalks will also be added, and the road will still curve, but not be as sharp.

"As you come up, there may be more sweeping of a curve, but the sight distances from all the side roads, that was one of our big things, we wanted to make sure everybody can see in all directions," Zachary said.

Mayor Bynum says while the project does cost a lot of money, it will be worth it and help make the stretch of road safer for everyone.

"This is pretty much the only stretch of road between the Creek Turnpike and I-44 that's down to two lanes, it's a bottleneck, and it's unsafe for people to drive on, we have way too many accidents on this road," he said.

The project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2023.