As many of you know, traffic control and public safety at the intersection of 9th and Manvel have been issues in recent years and have been highly discussed among city council members, the former mayor, and the former city manager. During early 2023, the public expressed much concern regarding near accidents and the general safety of this intersection. Therefore, the City Council once again discussed potential remedies. Because Manvel is also a part of Rt 66 and State Highway 18, the Council requested assistance from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, which is, in fact, the governing authority of the area of Highway through downtown Chandler. Following a meeting with leadership at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, State Representative Kevin Wallace, and City leadership, an overhaul plan was developed to enhance safety for the intersection of 9th and Manvel and other locations through the downtown area. The city is currently working on applying for a Transportation Alternatives Program grant for the project. However, to affirm a safer intersection, O.D.O.T will install stop signs at the intersection of 9th and Manvel to create a four-way stop. I recognize this will be a significant and perhaps inconvenient change for us all. With that, I would ask for your patience and understanding as we work towards a safer environment for pedestrians and vehicle traffic downtown. I want to reassure everyone that it is the City Council’s intention to do everything possible to ensure that this is only a temporary situation.
We will do our best to inform the public of progress on this project.
Respectfully Kent McVey, Chandler mayor