For more than two years through surveys and town halls, Tulsans said fixing the city streets is a priority. In November 2008, Tulsans voted to make a sizable investment in the community to provide $451.6 million in funding through the third penny sales tax and a general obligation bond issue. The two funding packages combined represent the largest investment in infrastructure in Tulsa's history.

Because money for street projects approved in 2008 comes from two different sources – the third penny sales tax and general obligation bonds – voters approved two separate propositions. Bonds provide revenue for projects as soon as they are sold. In Tulsa, we use property taxes to repay general obligation bonds. Projects funded with sales taxes are completed as the taxes are collected.

With citizen approval in place, the City of Tulsa continues to design and construct these projects. The schedule for this street work depends on coordination with other projects, the level of funding available as the bond issues are sold, the condition of the pavement, the geographic location and the complexity of the work to be done. All nine council districts of the city will receive street work, so projects will be spread throughout Tulsa.

The schedule for this street work depends on coordination with other projects, the level of funding available as the bond issues are sold, the condition of the pavement, the geographic location and the complexity of the work to be done. All nine council districts of the city will receive street work, so projects will be spread throughout Tulsa.

The projects vary in size and type of work to be done, from patching and crack sealing to asphalt overlay to complete reconstruction – including storm water issues, sidewalk tripping hazards and handicap ramps, and replacement of old water lines.

All work must be carefully coordinated to minimize inconvenience to the public - motorists and adjacent property owners. The projects are grouped in order to maximize contractor efficiencies, but not overlap with other projects in the vicinity. The City avoids working on simultaneous projects in an area where lane closures on nearby streets or intersections would disrupt the flow of traffic.

The City of Tulsa also must coordinate with other agencies and utilities that work in the right of way or in the streets. The City has working relationships with Tulsa County and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. Utility companies, cable and fiber optics all are responsible for coordinating their work with the City of Tulsa to avoid gridlock in residential or business districts. Access to businesses is always a priority. A City-authorized field inspector oversees each street project.

As with all street projects, the City of Tulsa will hold meetings with residents and businesses in an area surrounding the project. Adjacent property owners and tenants will be notified of those meetings by mail and can check online www.fixourstreetslive.com for updates. At those meetings, City officials will provide specific details of the project, timelines for the work and contact information for the field inspector and the contractor’s superintendent. Project details, maps and City contact information also are provided on fixourstreetslive.com.

Tulsa’s 2008 commitment and investment in our streets, combined with street repairs already scheduled or under way, will make a significant impact on street conditions. This same investment also will have a positive impact on quality of life, public safety and neighborhood vitality. It's progress as promised. Thank you Tulsa.