City Of Tulsa To Fix Intersection Flooding Issues With Federal Grant

The City of Tulsa plans to fix a long-time trouble spot for flooding. A federal grant will pay for the work.

The intersection at 43rd and Sheridan floods with every significant rainfall.

Sometimes, it's enough to stall cars and enough to require a water rescue from the middle of the street.

The low spot on Sheridan, in front of Sam's, is one of Tulsa's most commonly flooded spots.

Any significant rain leads to water above the curb line - and often to stalled cars and stranded drivers.

The fire department reports 13 rescues from this spot over the last several years.

 “When this area experiences a large amount of rain in a short period of time, this causes flooding that causes traffic to impasse,” said Chief Michael Baker.

The fire chief, Mayor, and a representative from FEMA announced a $19.5 million dollar grant to fix the problem.

“Which will help us continue decades at this point of continuous improvement when it comes to flood mitigation in Tulsa,” Mayor Bynum said.

The money will improve the flood plain through a mostly industrial area between Sheridan and Memorial.

Fulton Creek runs quietly most days, but with heavy rain, it backs up water over about a 2-mile stretch.

The work will protect the area around 43rd and Sheridan, as well as hundreds of homes and businesses, covering more than 15 fully developed acres.

“We know this intersection needs help, this area of our city needs help, and we know this is going to help that designation of one of America's best cities when it comes to flood mitigation,” Bynum said.

The solution will take years to complete, so it's likely there will be more flooding on Sheridan before it's done in about five years.

The work includes clearing out the creek, enlarging some storm drains, and building two retention ponds.

Most of the work will be downstream from the intersection where flooding happens.