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Meeker students urge Board to seek ODOT traffic study after near-miss reports at Highway 62 and 18
Summary
Meeker High students told the Board that survey and observational data show frequent pedestrian crossings and numerous near-miss incidents at the Highway 62/18 intersection and asked the town to pursue an ODOT traffic count, grant funding, and a dedicated fund for a possible signal.
Students from Meeker High School representing the Generation Citizen Project told the Meeker Board of Trustees on April 20 that pedestrian safety at the Highway 62 and Highway 18 intersection is a growing concern.
Hannah Mason, Lucee Rhodes, Wyatt Katitz and Garrett Cornstock presented survey results and community feedback showing that about 44.4% of students cross the intersection, 38% reported near accidents and 61.5% reported close calls with vehicles. They asked the Board to support contacting State Representative Jim Shaw and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and to help pursue grant funding and a dedicated town fund for a potential traffic signal.
Town Attorney Jim Hodgens advised the Board that installation of a traffic signal would depend on ODOT criteria and an official traffic count, and he warned that estimated costs of $200,000–$500,000 would be difficult for the Town to fund without outside grants. Hodgens recommended requesting the ODOT traffic study as the necessary first step. The Board discussed options including grant applications and establishing a local fund to accumulate contributions.
The Board did not make a funding commitment at the meeting. Hodgens’ guidance and the students’ request set clear next steps: seek an ODOT traffic count and explore grant opportunities and legislative contacts. The Board may consider a future agenda item to establish a dedicated fund if the traffic study supports signal installation.
