Automobile Alley is officially wrapping up its long-running “Better Broadway” transformation, and the public is invited to celebrate. A ribbon-cutting is set for Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 11 a.m., with Mayor David Holt leading the ceremony at the southeast corner of Broadway Avenue and NW 9th Street.
The project marks a major refresh for one of OKC’s most historic districts, focusing heavily on walkability, safety and accessibility. Designed with input from the Automobile Alley board and area businesses, the improvements aim to make the street easier — and more enjoyable — to navigate.
What’s new on Broadway?
• Fresh crosswalk striping at every intersection, plus flashing pedestrian signs at NW 7th and 9th
• ADA-compliant crossings throughout
• Bump-outs that shorten crosswalks from an average of 75 feet to 45
• A switch to angled parking, adding 30 more spaces — including 15 ADA spots with ramps and access aisles
• Resurfaced roadway from NW 13th down to Dean A. McGee
• Upgraded sidewalks from Park Place to Dean A. McGee
• Twenty-eight new amenity poles on the west side of the street for banners, holiday décor, and future audio features
• And 51 new trees, funded by the Margaret Annis Boys Trust through the OKC Community Foundation
The $5 million project was paid for through the Better Streets, Safer City sales tax initiative and capital improvement funds.
A quick look back:
Broadway Avenue has been central to OKC since 1889, originally built wide enough for horse-drawn wagons to turn around. By the early 1920s, it had become the heart of the city’s automotive industry — at one point boasting more than 50 showrooms and responsible for selling 95% of the city’s cars. But by the mid-1990s, the area was struggling, especially after the Murrah Building bombing.
A study by the Urban Land Institute and leadership from Mayor Ron Norick helped launch the Automobile Alley Main Street Program, sparking over $30 million in private investment and paving the way for the district residents know today — full of restaurants, shops, creative studios, offices, and major events like Lights on Broadway, which kicks off Saturday, Nov. 29.
About Better Streets, Safer City:
Approved by voters in 2017, the initiative includes a 10-year, $967 million bond package and related sales tax measures that fund streets, public safety, parks, and other core services. A quarter-cent permanent sales tax has added police officers and firefighters, while a temporary penny sales tax generated $240 million for street resurfacing, sidewalks, trails, bike infrastructure, and streetscapes like this one.