Reconstructing Edmond intersections

Edmond continues to grow and improve not only in opportunity and population but construction as well.

Our community has seen a 15% increase in population in only ten years. The fast-paced increase of traffic coupled with long construction times and unpredictable Oklahoma weather make it difficult to match the speed of road improvements with the speed of population growth.

Many of the oldest roads in Edmond haven’t been resurfaced in years and were built when their expected traffic was a fraction of what it is now. The intersection of 2nd and Bryant sees more than 50,000 cars every single day. Over the next year, it will be reconstructed to allow for double left-turn lanes and a right-turn-only lane, similar to the improvements made at 33rd and Broadway, Edmond’s busiest intersection.

Investment Brings Opportunity

Projects like the Quiet Zone often have exponential and immeasurable positive impacts on businesses that outweigh the months-long construction pains. Many municipal capital improvement projects, including infrastructure improvements, are aptly named as they truly improve the quality of life in Edmond and pave the way for more investment in our community.

The intersection of 2nd and Bryant has seen tremendous growth over the last three years including new restaurant and retail spaces, beautification of existing structures, and a significant increase in business, which brings additional sales tax dollars to Edmond.

All construction projects are funded through sales tax dollars spent at businesses within Edmond city limits. The City of Edmond is using those dollars to provide better transportation and resident experiences to continue the growth of the area.

As of March 2021, the city is in the midst of Phase II of installing intelligent transportation systems, which are already in place across some of our busiest intersections. The new systems allow for better traffic flow and will be added to portions of Broadway, Danforth, Covell, and Santa Fe. More than 11 miles of fiber optic cables have been installed to alleviate traffic congestion throughout Edmond.

Recovery for Retail and Restaurants

First, it was rising food prices, then it was a global pandemic, followed by a staffing shortage. Businesses across the nation have had a tough year, but it has led to an increased focus and appreciation for the local businesses that make our community strong and unique.

Much like during the pandemic, our local businesses often struggle during large long-term construction projects due to the significant decrease in traffic. The Edmond Chamber encourages Edmond residents to weather the traffic to seek out and support the businesses that may be affected.

We were amazed by the outpouring of attention and aid our citizens provided our locally-owned businesses during the pandemic. Despite stores and restaurants opening for patrons again, many of them will feel the impact of the improvement projects at their intersection.

When you’re thinking about shopping or dining out over the next few months, try to patronize businesses that might need a little extra love at one of the following intersections currently or scheduled to be under construction:

• 33rd & Kelly – Recently completed construction
• 2nd & Bryant – Construction began June 2021
• I-35 & Covell – Construction anticipated beginning Fall 2021
• Danforth & Kelly – Construction scheduled to begin in 2022