SOUTH LOGAN COUNTY - A member of the local legislative delegation who serves on the House of Representatives Transportation Committee is seeking public input on his effort to bring attention to traffic congestion along the I-35 corridor in north Edmond and south Logan County.

Murphey asserts that traffic at the Waterloo Road and I-35 intersection has become a major challenge for area residents. "Almost anyone in south Logan County can tell you what a nightmare this intersection has become," Murphey said.

Murphey has composed a three-part strategy for bringing public awareness to the problem.

First, Murphey asked the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) to consider making changes to the I-35/Waterloo Road interchange. ODOT engineers studied the problem and in September, ODOT approved the placement of two three-way stops that will hopefully assist traffic flow.

Second, Murphey plans to call for a long-term solution by working for the construction of an on-off ramp at I-35 and Charter Oak Road.

And finally, Murphey wishes to bring attention to the I-35 corridor by naming the interstate from Waterloo Road to Charter Oak Road after a famous south Logan County resident. "I believe it is important to showcase this area and enhance a sense of community in south Logan County," Murphey said. Murphey is proposing to name this section of I-35 the "A.C. Hamlin Corridor" after former State Representative A.C. Hamlin. Hamlin who lived in south Logan County was the first African American legislator in the history of Oklahoma. Hamlin's presence in the legislature prompted Oklahoma's politicians to enact Jim Crow voting laws which defeated Hamlin and ensured it would be over fifty years before another African-American was elected to the legislature. "Very few people are aware of the A.C. Hamlin story or of the fact that he was from south Logan County," Murphey said.

Murphey is asking for the public to give input on both the changes to the intersection at Waterloo Road and I-35 and the proposed naming of I-35. "If the changes to the intersection worsen the current traffic situation and additional changes are necessary then I need to know about it," Murphey explained. "I believe ODOT will step up and do what it takes to make sure we get it right."

Murphey is asking for members of the public to contact his office at 405-557-7350 or online at www.HouseDistrict31.com.