This project is a partnership between the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the City of Oklahoma City. The project’s fixed limit of construction is $6.9M. Funding is provided by an ACOG grant and the City’s 2017 bond program. The project aims to enhance an approximately one-mile stretch of NW 23rd Street from Western Avenue to Broadway Avenue in the Uptown 23^rd District.

The overall goal of this project is to create a safer, more functional corridor for both pedestrians and drivers. To enhance the pedestrian experience, the center median will be removed.

Currently, the four blocks with a median have 11 sidewalk trees. After the project, 76 trees will provide shade and protection along the sidewalks – a net increase of 29 trees on just those four blocks alone. The redesigned environment will feature shorter crossing distances, wider sidewalks, improved lighting, shade and overall beautification for area visitors. In addition, the project includes pavement resurfacing and replacement of an aging waterline between Western Avenue to Lee Avenue.

The NW 23rd Street Enhancement project underwent an extensive community engagement process with Uptown 23^rd District stakeholders, including property owners, business owners, and residents.

During the fifteen stakeholder/public meetings held since 2020, several priorities were established, including retaining four lanes of vehicular travel, removal of the medians to provide shorter pedestrian crossings along with safer and wider sidewalks, adding street trees and lighting, and preserving on-street parking.

To enhance beautification, there will be a net increase of 79 trees along the project corridor, providing protection and shade for pedestrians rather than pavement. The engineering team developed a streetscape to best meet the identified needs within the physical and budgetary constraints of the project.