Lawton City Council initiates traffic flow improvement plans on Gore and Sixth Street

The City Council of Lawton convened on July 8, 2025, to address several pressing issues, primarily focusing on traffic management and infrastructure improvements. The meeting began with discussions surrounding the need for enhanced traffic flow, particularly on Gore Boulevard, which is one of the few major routes servicing the east side of Lawton.

A council member highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the city is currently facing challenges related to both health and financial resources. The proposed initiative aims to implement changes that would facilitate smoother traffic movement, especially during peak hours when congestion is most severe. The city manager indicated that the plan could involve making adjustments at a rate of approximately one per week, minimizing the burden on existing technicians.

The conversation shifted to specific traffic patterns, with one council member raising concerns about Sixth Street, where the majority of traffic flows east-west rather than north-south. Questions were posed regarding the distribution of traffic signals and stoplights, particularly the potential for reducing the number of stoplights on Sixth Street to improve overall traffic efficiency.

The council discussed the possibility of adjusting traffic signal timings, with a proposal suggesting an 80-20 split favoring traffic on Gore Boulevard. This proposal was initially presented at a traffic commission meeting but had not been formally documented. Following deliberation, a motion was made to formalize this traffic signal adjustment.

The meeting concluded with a call for specific direction from the council to ensure that the proposed changes are clearly defined and actionable. The council's focus on traffic management reflects a broader commitment to improving infrastructure and addressing the needs of Lawton's residents. Further steps will be taken to implement these changes and monitor their effectiveness in alleviating traffic congestion.