TMAPC backs CPA-117 to narrow selected road classifications, citing infill and walkability goals

The Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission recommended adoption of CPA-117, amendments to the Major Street & Highway Plan (MSHP), by a 9-0 vote on March 19. The proposed changes reduce prescribed right-of-way widths on several corridors and update alignments tied to long-range projects, a staff report said.

Staff described four primary concepts underlying CPA-117: narrowing planned right-of-way widths on corridors such as Charles Page Boulevard and parts of E. 11th Street to better match existing and forecast traffic; aligning the MSHP with master plans for Project Anthem and Robson Ranch; reclassifying segments of Route 66/Riverside Drive to unlock additional developable land for infill (the report noted that reclassification could free about 5 feet of land at some sites such as the Cry Baby Hill development); and amending the MSHP to reflect a proposed landing and Riverside Parkway connection associated with discussions about a potential South Tulsa Bridge.

The staff analysis cited vehicle counts and standards: average annual daily traffic (AADT) on analyzed Riverside Drive locations averaged about 3,947 (2019–2022 data), while Federal Highway Administration guidance for equivalent Minor Collector classification recommends up to 6,300 AADT. The packet also referenced corridor studies recommending a Multimodal Urban Arterial classification for Charles Page Boulevard instead of the existing Multimodal Primary Arterial designation.

Commission discussion included two clarifying questions recorded in the minutes. Chair Walker asked whether Yale Avenue would remain a connection for the proposed bridge alignment; staff replied that the alignment would connect to a proposed extension of Riverside Parkway rather than Yale Avenue. Commissioner Craddock asked whether narrowing the right-of-way on segments of E. 11th Street would reduce capacity for autos; staff responded, "yes, it would decrease the right-of-way from 100 feet to 70 feet to allow property owners to invest in their properties." The minutes record that the commission previously discussed the amendments at a February 5, 2025 work session and that INCOG committees recommended the changes earlier.

Commissioner Bulmash moved to recommend adoption of CPA-117; Chair Walker seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The recommendation will go forward to the City Council or other appropriate bodies for final action under the municipal adoption process.