Midwest City celebrates opening of trail extension

Bomber Rail Trail now open from SE 15th St./Ocama Blvd. to Quinlan Park

By Jeff Harrison
Midwest City Beacon

Midwest City leaders recently celebrated the opening of new portion of the Bomber Rail Trail.

The city hosted a grand opening for phases two and three of the trail on Oct. 13. City leaders were joined by contractors, ODOT representatives and local bicycle enthusiasts.

The Bomber Rail Trail is a paved recreational trail the runs alongside an unused railroad right of way. The new portion of the trail extends from Maple Dr. near Midwest City High School northwest to Quinlan Park. It includes a new pedestrian cross signal at Air Depot Blvd.

People can now take the trail from SE 15th St. and Ocama Blvd. to Quinlan Park. When completed, the trail will extend to the intersection of E. Reno Ave. and Sooner Rd.

Midwest City was recently awarded funding for the final phase of the trail.

City Manager Tim Lyon said the city has worked to develop the trail system in recent years to improve the quality of life for citizens.

“We didn’t have a vision for our trails 15 or 20 years ago,” Lyon said. “People want trails, they want nice parks, they want places they can walk to, and they want the ability to ride their bikes to shop and eat.”

Lyon said Brandon Bundy, director of engineering and construction services for Midwest City, has taken the lead on expanding the trail system through grants.

The Bomber Rail Trail development has been funded through grants from the Transportation Alternative Program. The city provides local matching funds for the grants.

The Bomber Rail Trail connects to the rest of the city’s Spirit Trails System.

Midwest City mayor Matt Dukes challenged neighboring Del City to expand its trail system. He said that would allow people to walk or ride from Midwest City to the Oklahoma City trail system.