Miami Roadway & Drainage Improvements

For 133 years, the City of Miami, Oklahoma, has battled persistent flooding. Nestled at the junction of the Neosho River and Tar Creek, the City is uniquely vulnerable to backwater flooding. With much of Miami lying in FEMA’s regulatory floodplain, rising waters routinely isolate neighborhoods, disrupt emergency response, and pose serious risks to public safety during severe storms.

To confront this challenge, OWN partnered with the City of Miami to secure a $6.3 million grant—the largest in the City’s history at the time. The project targets five critical roadway crossings prone to flooding, where rising waters often cut off essential travel routes. By raising roadway approaches and expanding flow capacities, the project aims to maintain access for residents and emergency responders while reducing the impact of backwater flooding.

Rather than replacing existing structures, the project focuses on optimizing Miami’s infrastructure. Adjacent flow channels will be added to guide floodwaters back to the floodplain, and roadways will be selectively elevated to endure up to a 50-year storm event. This thoughtful design balances improved accessibility with preserving the integrity of existing bridges, ensuring the City’s infrastructure is both efficient and resilient.

Engaging the community is a key part of this effort. OWN is participating in public meetings to inform stakeholders and gather feedback, ensuring the project aligns with the City’s broader safety and resilience goals. Every decision is made with a focus on transparency and maximizing the impact of this historic investment.

This project goes beyond infrastructure improvements—it’s a step toward a safer, stronger future. With these upgrades, Miami will be better prepared to protect its people, maintain critical access, and thrive in the face of tomorrow’s challenges.