Smith Ferry Road widening design near completion; right-of-way and gas-line relocation remain
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Summary
Staff reported the one-mile Smith Ferry Road widening (Gulick to US-64) design is near completion but cannot be finalized until remaining right-of-way is purchased and Oklahoma Natural Gas relocates a private-easement gas line; about 60% of right-of-way has been acquired and Hilldale Public Schools donated a large portion.
City staff told the Public Works committee Feb. 9 that the design for the Smith Ferry Road widening (one mile from Gulick to U.S. 64) is nearing completion but the project cannot advance to final design or construction until remaining right-of-way is acquired and the gas company relocates a gas line in a private easement.
"This project consisted of 1 mile widening from Gulick to US 64...This project also included a replacement of a corrugated metal culvert system with a concrete box culvert...The gas line is in a private easement owned by the gas company. So the city has to pay Oklahoma Natural Gas to move their line," Mister Rigney said while reviewing the project status. Rigney said Olsen Engineering led design and initial right-of-way acquisition work; Olsen's current right-of-way contract has ended and staff are evaluating either extending Olsen's contract or contracting another right-of-way acquisition firm. He said roughly 60% of the right-of-way has been purchased and that Hilldale Public Schools donated a significant portion.
Rigney noted an "additive alternate" spur road that would loop from Cherokee to Smith Ferry to improve the three-way intersection at US-64, Smith Ferry and Cherokee; the spur is subject to budget and bids and may be completed if funding allows. The city described the project as a cost-share with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
Public Works accepted the report and took no immediate additional action; staff will return with additional right-of-way acquisition options and contract recommendations.