In 1983, literature was distributed by the city of Tulsa stating that if voters approved a street bond issue, which included funds for acquiring right of way on the Mingo Valley Expressway from 56th to 71st streets, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation would extend the Gilcrease Expressway from Apache Street to U.S. 75 (presently under construction) and the Mingo Valley Expressway from 51st to 71st streets. Voters approved the bond issue, so the land shown in this picture soon will become an expressway that should help alleviate major traffic problems in this area of Tulsa. Preliminary work already is under way, as some dirt from various Tulsa construction projects, notably the hill excavation on 71st Street west of Sheridan Road, has been hauled to the site. This view, looking north at 61st Street, shows some dirt in the foreground, with more in the distance. Several abandoned houses and barns dot the landscape on 61st Street, and these will be removed for the expressway. The signs in front of the houses say "No Dumping Allowed." In the background above the distant dirt mound is the expressway's bridge at 51st Street, where the roadway presently ends. Photograph taken December 14, 1985.
DEVELOPING TULSA: THE AUSTIN HELLWIG COLLECTION
