TULSA, Okla. — On the sidewalk near 2nd and Elgin, there is a noticeable gap.

“It’s a whole thing,” said Lindsey Gammill, a manager at Boomtown Tees in downtown Tulsa.

Gammill’s not wrong, there is literally a hole in the ground.

“It looks kind of dangerous,” Gammill said.

Oklahoma Natural Gas (ONG) told FOX23 that the holes are due to a gas line project that will replace 1,000 feet of pipes. The project is going to replace aging pipelines.

“It seems like it has been going on for awhile,” said another patron, Ash Henderson.

The holes take up several areas on the sidewalk and in front of crosswalks. It also has some sidewalks closed, like the ones at 2nd and Detroit.

“You either have to go around the back or go in front of [the sidewalk],” Henderson continued. “So it is either dodging cars or going around the long way.”

One of the holes is outside Redd’s Bar. An employee said the holes have been more helpful than harmful, since ONG removed a gas meter that patrons often tripped on.

Down the block, residents said it has caused some issues with parking.

“I understand the projects, but just letting us know what you are doing, and letting us know when you are starting and ending would be really helpful,” Gammill said. “So we can pass that information along to our customers.”

She continued, “With all these spots taken up, it really takes away from people being able to find a spot, and when you get frustrated enough, [customers] are just like ‘I want to go home.’”

She also wants to know if it’s okay to walk in the area that has orange cones and heavy equipment nearby. There are also places covered by metal plates where you can see holes in the sidewalk.

“I feel like I am supposed to walk here?” Gammill asked. “Am I allowed to walk on the sidewalk? Is it safe for me?”

Henderson put it best for anyone who is spending time downtown.

“I am always excited when we finish construction in Tulsa,” Henderson said.

ONG hopes to have the project completed by the end of August.

They put this statement out to their customers and businesses in the area:

Oklahoma Natural Gas is currently replacing about 1,000 feet of pipe near 2nd and Elgin in downtown Tulsa. This is part of our company’s ongoing efforts to replace aged pipelines across our state in order to continue our mission of delivering natural gas for a better tomorrow.

We appreciate the businesses around the area’s patience as our team completes this project. Our crews are working safely and efficiently to get all service restored and will be wrapping up soon!

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