I-44 Sound Wall Update

As most of you know, we have been working with officials advocating for a sound wall design along the 51st Street corridor from Peoria to Lewis that will preserve and protect our neighborhood and neighbors. We had three areas of concern when we started. We already have a favorable resolution in one area, west of St. Louis to Peoria, where there will be a sound wall.

The current functional ODOT plan does not include a sound wall in the area east of Utica to Lewis. However, we were informed this week ODOT has asked the sound specialist to revisit and conduct sound studies in this area. This is good news for our neighborhood. The results should be available in July.

The third area of concern is west of Utica to St. Louis. The current functional ODOT plan has a wall in this area, but allows for openings at Utica, Troost, Trenton and St. Louis. We believe this many openings so close together defeats the purpose of the sound wall in mitigating noise. It also does not give neighbors defensible space from the 80,000 vehicles and occupants or the pedestrians that walk along the highway and cut through our neighborhood daily. We asked the City of Tulsa to close Troost and Trenton so ODOT can construct a continuous sound wall in this area. Emergency officials studied the issue and determined access and response time will not be affected. The city considered this determination along with concerns and issues from the neighborhood and has given clearance to close these two streets. The issue of funding is keeping this area from a favorable resolution right now.

We ask you to continue contacting legislators, city, county and state officials. We are being heard. You are making a difference for positive action in our neighborhood. Thank you for your help!

If you need officials contact info, have any questions or concerns, contact Jamie @ jlbelger@att.net or 918-607-9979.