Drivers in downtown Oklahoma City woke up to a tighter squeeze Friday, as lane closures kicked in for utility work tied to the new Continental Coliseum. Lanes on E.K. Gaylord between Sheridan and Reno avenues, along with northbound lanes past Reno, are now narrowed, and motorists are being warned to expect delays during morning commutes through May 22 while crews operate in the travel lanes.
As reported by KOCO, the city says the lane narrowings are temporary and needed to finish utility hookups for the arena project. The station noted workers setting cones and other traffic control in the area and urged drivers to build in extra time on downtown routes over the next two weeks.
Work tied to the arena
The lane adjustments are part of early utility and mobilization work for Continental Coliseum, the new downtown arena that broke ground in late March. According to a City of Oklahoma City news release, the project will occupy the block bounded by Reno, Ron Norick, Sheridan and E.K. Gaylord and is slated to replace the Paycom Center once it opens.
Timeline and naming…