City will add signs at 12 highway entrances, improve ADA access and lighting
Oklahoma City plans to revamp its highway entrances and upgrade three pedestrian bridges as part of a beautification push aimed at welcoming visitors ahead of the 2028 Olympic events the city will host. The program, which carries a budget of about $4.2 million, was first envisioned as part of the MAPS four beautification projects in 2019 and will begin construction in 2027.
The plan calls for installing gateway signs at 12 locations along major highways — split evenly between six primary and six secondary sites — and making targeted improvements to pedestrian bridges at SW 24th Street, Woodson Park and Blackwelder Avenue. City officials say upgrades will include new artwork, Americans with Disabilities Act improvements, structural repairs and LED accent lighting.
“It’s like you don’t need to tell them they’re entering Oklahoma City, as they know they’re entering Oklahoma City. What you’re really doing is you’re saying this is a city that cares about its appearance. This is a city that wants to make you feel welcome here, and that sends its own message.”
The mayor framed the effort as correcting what he described as the long-standing absence of formal entryways along Oklahoma City highways and as a means to create a stronger first impression for visitors and residents alike. Some designs will reflect nearby land uses — for example, elements that nod to softball and soccer near Woodson Park.
What the project includes
- Gateway signs: 12 locations (6 primary, 6 secondary)
- Pedestrian bridges: Upgrades at SW 24th Street, Woodson Park, Blackwelder Avenue
- Improvements: Artwork, ADA enhancements, repairs, LED lighting
- Timeline: Construction starting in 2027, completed in time for 2028 events
- Estimated cost: Approximately $4.2 million
Officials have emphasized that the signs and bridge updates are intended not merely as decorative efforts but as investments in safety, accessibility and civic identity. ADA improvements are expected to make the pedestrian bridges more usable for residents with mobility limitations, while LED accent lighting aims to improve visibility at night and reduce long-term energy costs.
Local implications and timing
With construction scheduled to begin in 2027, the work will take place in the run-up to the 2028 Olympic events Oklahoma City will host. The timing is intended to ensure the city’s major access points and pedestrian crossings present a cared-for appearance when national and international visitors arrive.
Beyond aesthetics, planners say the project aims to create safer, more accessible walking routes and to strengthen neighborhood identity through site-specific artwork. City leaders also framed the investments as part of a broader slate of MAPS-era beautification efforts that were outlined in 2019.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gateway sign locations | 12 (6 primary, 6 secondary) |
| Pedestrian bridges | SW 24th, Woodson Park, Blackwelder Ave. |
| Estimated budget | $4.2 million |
| Construction window | Begin 2027; complete before 2028 events |
As the city prepares for an influx of visitors tied to the Olympics, residents may expect short-term construction impacts near the selected highway entrances and bridge sites. City officials have not released specific design mockups or the precise locations of all sign placements, but they have said some entryways will be tailored to reflect nearby uses and community character.
Officials say the upgrades are intended to send a message that Oklahoma City values appearance and hospitality while improving accessibility and safety along key pedestrian corridors.
