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Edmond city planners are moving forward with plans to change the intersection of Covell Road and Coltrane Road after months of resident concern about delays and crashes. The proposal — which still needs final approval and funding — aims to ease traffic flow, improve pedestrian access and reduce collision risk near a busy commercial and residential corridor.
City staff say the work responds to rising vehicle volumes and several near-misses reported by neighbors and commuters. With design options now under review, the project is shifting from study to action, and officials are seeking public input before committing to a final plan.
What’s on the table
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Planners are evaluating several engineering solutions rather than a single fix. Options being weighed include signal upgrades, lane reconfiguration and a modern roundabout. Each alternative targets slightly different problems: some prioritize throughput during peak hours, others focus on pedestrian and bicycle safety.
- Traffic signal or signal upgrades — modern timing and detection could reduce backups during morning and evening rush.
- Dedicated turn lanes — adding or extending turn lanes would cut delay for through traffic and reduce rear-end collisions.
- Roundabout — a single-lane or two-lane roundabout is being considered to slow speeds and simplify vehicle movements.
- Pedestrian and bicycle facilities — marked crosswalks, curb ramps and protected bike lanes are included in some designs.
- Stormwater and lighting improvements — better drainage and upgraded street lighting are being bundled into several proposals.
Engineering assessments so far emphasize that no option will eliminate all congestion, but targeted changes can shorten peak delays and make crossings safer for non-drivers. The city’s traffic modeling indicates the greatest reduction in travel time comes from adding turn lanes or optimizing signal timing; a roundabout would have the largest effect on speed reduction and crash severity.
Timeline, cost and community input
Officials have not released a final cost estimate because the preferred design and funding package remain undecided. City staff say the project could be financed through a mix of local transportation funds and state or federal grants if applications are successful.
Before construction begins, the project will go through a formal design phase and environmental review. That process typically includes public meetings and a council vote. Residents will have an opportunity to review drawings, ask questions and suggest adjustments during the outreach period.
Why this matters now: the intersection sits near schools, shops and several housing developments that have grown in recent years. Even temporary construction detours could affect daily commutes, school routes and local businesses, so the schedule and traffic management plan will be key to minimizing disruption.
What drivers and neighbors should expect
While exact dates remain pending, the city advises motorists and pedestrians to prepare for phased work and short-term lane closures once a contractor is selected. Typical impacts may include:
- temporary lane reductions during daytime work windows
- altered turn movements or temporary signals during installation
- short-term detours for bicyclists and pedestrians with signed alternate routes
- periodic changes to bus stops or school pickup zones, communicated in advance
City staff recommend planning extra travel time during construction and following posted signs. They also note that, once completed, the improvements aim to reduce delays and enhance safety for all road users.
Officials will announce formal public meetings and the comment period on the city’s transportation page; residents can also contact the transportation department to request project materials or voice concerns ahead of those sessions.
