A Route 66er in Tulsa forwarded me a status report, dated Dec. 31, from Tulsa city employee Dennis Whitaker about the county’s Route 66 projects. Most of the projects are being funded by a Vision 2025 sales tax.
As you will see, several of the Route 66 projects are slated to be finished by summer.
Route 66 Cyrus Avery Memorial Bridge: Missing rails were replicated by forming casts of remaining original rails; light fixtures were replaced per recommendations by historian Beryl Ford and concurrence from State Historic Preservation Office; sealant was applied to the deck. To be completed: finish deck treatment and install Art Deco style wrought iron (replaces chain-link fence). Anticipated completion is spring ’08.
Avery Centennial Plaza and Skywalk: The site’s footprint is established; pad site for artwork, footings for flags of eight states and seat bench installed. Pylons for Skywalk and forms for stairway are under construction. Anticipated completion is May ’08.
“East Meets West” bronze artwork: A few small pieces have been sent to the foundry. This project, in conjunction with the Plaza, was awarded a $400,000 Oklahoma Centennial Commission grant. Anticipated completion is summer ’08.
Interpretive Center site prep: The site is graded. The upper elevation parking lot is completed and provides access to the Skywalk and future Interpretive Center. To be completed: installation of parking lot lights.
Meadow Gold sign: Closing for property acquisition was Nov. 7, 2007. Construction drawings are being finalized. Anticipated bidding for construction is spring ’08.
Cultural Crossroads: Intersection of 11th Street and Yale Avenue. The project was awarded a $385,000 scenic byway matching grant. Concept drawing is 80 percent completed. Construction drawings will be finalized in spring ‘08. Anticipated bidding for construction is summer ’08.
Route 66 planters: 19 thematic planters were installed along Southwest Boulevard and maintained by license agreement with the Southwest Tulsa Chamber of Commerce. The winter theme replaced fall chrysanthemums. Additional planters will be placed in the central business district and along 11th Street through individual license agreements.
Frisco train site: Soil from the Interpretive Center site was salvaged for the Frisco site to aid in grading. Construction start date for the train pad and other site improvements is to be determined.
A $400,000 grant was awarded by the Oklahoma Centennial Commission to the Southwest Tulsa Chamber of Commerce to construct the Centennial Oil Derrick. The Derrick will be adjacent to the train pad site. Construction, operation and maintenance of the site will be per license agreement between the Southwest Tulsa Chamber of Commerce and City of Tulsa.