Intersections along 71st Street are looking much different following their respective widening projects, and the 71st Street and Sheridan Road intersection is no exception. Construction began on the intersection in May 1985 with a large hill excavation on 71st Street west of Sheridan Road, which lowered the hill by about 20 feet. Following the excavation, 71st Street reopened in July 1985 as a two-lane road on the south side of the right of way, and the project was dormant until November 1985, at which time work began on the actual intersection widening project. The intersection was widened to four lanes on Sheridan Road and six lanes on 71st Street with left- and right-turn lanes on each approach. The full benefit of the widening won't be felt until the approaching roadways are widened, as all four approaching streets are two lanes. There are no funds available for these projects at this time. A large shopping center featuring Mexicali Border Cafe and Price Mart Grocery has been built on the southwest corner. Photo taken July 1987.
DEVELOPING TULSA: THE AUSTIN HELLWIG COLLECTION
