- Community input sought on Moore bridge design -

MOORE — Design consultant Steven Weitzman was back in Moore last week to talk with residents about the SW 34 Street bridge over Interstate 35.

Weitzman, president and CEO of Creative Design Resources Inc. of Brentwood, Maryland, presented a program at The Station at Central Park, 700 S Broadway. He gave a shorter version of a presentation he made on April 3 to the Moore City Council.

The meeting was to hear residents’ views on what type of artistic elements should be included in the bridge design. About 20 people attended the meeting, and some were city officials.

Weitzman showed examples of his company’s work for bridges in Norman, Oklahoma City and elsewhere in the nation.

“This is just a conversation,” Weitzman said. “I’m not here to tell you what to do.” He said his company’s job “is to listen, then present ideas the next time we meet.”

Weitzman said a bridge such as the SW 34 Street bridge over the interstate could tell a city’s story. He said it is up to the community to determine how much of its history should be reflected in the design.

“Anything is possible. How do you see yourself in Moore?” he asked.

Weitzman said the designs are produced by pouring concrete into form liners, which can be reused. He said the Oklahoma Transportation Department “has a library of designs” with the liners. He said art effects are created with the molds and could be saved for the next project.

One man asked whether Moore is required by ODOT to have art on the bridge. Weitzman said the state Transportation Department does not require the artwork.

A woman who identified herself only as Rebecca and said she is a fifth-generation Moore resident expressed concern the bridge design might be different from what is actually built. Weitzman said his company’s designs and the final product are the same. He said his company has never gone over budget.

Those attending the meeting were given community surveys with six topics: bridge style, physical environment/geography, built environment, history and heritage, commerce-technology and education.

People were asked to return the survey to Debby Williams, d.williams@creativedesignresolutions.com, or mail to Creative Design Resolutions Inc., attn. Debby Williams, 3413 Windom Road, Brentwood, MD 20722.

For people who did not attend the May 11 meeting, the community survey is available at www.cityofmoore.com. Completed surveys are due by Sunday.

On May 1, state transportation officials announced they have suspended construction on about a dozen highway projects. Moore City Manager Brooks Mitchell said, “We think we are good. ODOT has not said the bridge will be affected.” He said most of the funding for the SW 34 Street bridge project is from city bond issues.

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