Underpass Forcing Some Property Owners To Move

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) A underpass that would reroute rail traffic over a busy north Norman street will mean relocation for some area property owners.<br/> <br/>The city will conduct a study of the environmental

Saturday, February 10th 2007, 6:32 pm

By: News On 6

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) A underpass that would reroute rail traffic over a busy north Norman street will mean relocation for some area property owners.

The city will conduct a study of the environmental impact of the project and officials hope to begin right-of-way acquisitions shortly thereafter.

City property manager John Cink says construction is slated to begin in 2010 and last about 18 months.

City traffic manager Angelo Lombardo says the project is necessary to combat accidents and traffic holdups. Lombardo says Robinson is the second busiest street in Norman, carrying about 30,000 vehicles daily.

He says the project will cost more than $27 million, with about half of that -- $13 million -- coming from federal
funds.

Phan Do owns the restaurant, Sunny Side Up, which sits on the southeast corner of Robinson Street and Flood Avenue.

Do understands the need for the underpass, but says his income and employees will be affected if he doesn't have a new place to move into.