Construction has officially begun on the downtown Guthrie ADA intersection improvements, starting Tuesday at the intersection of Oklahoma Avenue and Wentz Street. The project, part of the CIP No. 2 Initiative—Growing Guthrie—approved by voters in 2024, aims to enhance accessibility and safety at three key downtown intersections, all of which are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Work will proceed one intersection at a time to minimize disruption, with the Oklahoma Avenue and Wentz Street intersection kicking off the project. Originally projected to begin in mid-July, the start was delayed due to storm sewer supply delivery issues. Each intersection project is expected to take 45-60 days, weather and supply chains permitting.
The contract was awarded to SAC Services Inc. of Oklahoma City, whose bid of $828,661.45 for all three intersections was the lowest among four bidders. This project received unanimous approval (5-0) from the Historic Preservation Commission on January 6, 2025.
As part of the improvements, the current traffic signal at Oklahoma and Wentz will be replaced with a four-way stop to improve traffic flow and safety for pedestrians and motorists alike.
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In addition, just next to the Oklahoma and Wentz intersection, the Downtown Pocket Park, adjacent to The Shoppes, is nearly completed. Crews put some of the final touches on the park project last week. Trees will be planted after the hottest summer days to promote better growth, along with other landscaping features designed to enhance and offset the green space.
City staff applied for the Downtown Pocket Park project through the Main Street Incentive Grant Program in November 2024. The project received enthusiastic approval and funding of $24,537, matched by $24,538 from the City of Guthrie (in-kind services by Public Works), bringing the total project budget to $49,075.
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City Manager Eddie Faulkner said, “We are excited to continue investing in Guthrie’s infrastructure thanks to CIP #2 funding sources. These intersection improvements and the new pocket park are meaningful steps toward making downtown Guthrie safe, accessible, and vibrant for everyone.”
Residents and visitors are encouraged to anticipate temporary changes in traffic patterns throughout construction and to exercise caution near the work zones.
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