How the SE 4th Street Underpass Project in Moore Is Changing Home Values
How is the SE 4th Street Railroad Underpass project in Moore, OK transforming commutes, neighborhood connectivity, and home values for sellers?
The nearly $30 million SE 4th Street Railroad Underpass project is eliminating decades of train delays in Moore, improving east-west connectivity, and positioning homes along the corridor for stronger buyer demand once the underpass opens in early 2027.
Why the Moore Underpass Project Matters Right Now
If you’ve lived in Moore for any amount of time, you know the frustration. You’re heading east on SE 4th Street, running five minutes ahead of schedule, and then the crossing arms come down. Approximately 36 trains pass through that at-grade BNSF crossing every single day. Some of those delays stretch ten minutes or longer. Multiply that across your week, and you’ve lost hours of your life sitting at those tracks.
That era is ending. The SE 4th Street Railroad Underpass project, a joint effort between the City of Moore, ODOT, and BNSF Railway, is now over 50% complete. What I tell my clients is simple: this is the single most impactful infrastructure investment Moore has seen in a generation. Moore Mayor Mark Hamm called it “a transformative project,” and ODOT Director Tim Gatz described it as “a pivotal infrastructure investment in the future of Moore and the surrounding region.” Having closed over 152 transactions in the Norman, Moore, and Oklahoma City metro, I can tell you that infrastructure of this scale doesn’t just fix traffic. It reshapes how buyers see an entire corridor.
What Exactly Is Being Built on SE 4th Street in Moore
Let me clear up a common misconception, because I hear it constantly. This is not a traditional highway overpass. ODOT and BNSF are building a new railroad bridge over SH-37/SE 4th Street while the city lowers the roadway to pass underneath the tracks. The result is a full grade-separation underpass that permanently eliminates the at-grade rail crossing.
The Full Scope of the Moore Underpass Project
The scope of work is massive and includes several major components:
- New BNSF rail bridge spanning the lowered roadway
- Lowered roadway allowing traffic to flow beneath the tracks uninterrupted
- Retaining walls supporting the new grade changes
- Comprehensive storm drainage system, including a new water reservoir and pump station to remove rainwater from the underpass
- Bike and pedestrian bridge and pathway along the underpass corridor
- New traffic signal at Broadway and SE 4th Street
- Full streetscape and utility work along the SE 4th corridor
As of March 2026, crews have installed the temporary rail detour (known as a “shoofly”), removed the old crossing, and begun drilled shaft foundations for both the new railway bridge and a future pedestrian bridge. Storm drainage, retaining walls, and concrete paving are all actively underway. The city is even storing excess dirt at 800 SW 4th for future municipal projects, which gives you a sense of how much earth is being moved.
So what does all this engineering mean for your daily life? It means no more sitting at those crossing arms. Ever again.
How the SE 4th Street Underpass Impacts Moore Home Values
This is where things get really interesting for sellers. I recently worked with a couple in Central Moore who were debating whether to list their 1980s ranch near the SE 4th corridor now or wait until the underpass opens. Their concern was valid: with the road fully closed and construction detours in place, would buyers even want to look at homes in the area?
Here’s what actually happened. We priced their home strategically at $245,000, highlighted the underpass completion timeline in the listing description, and framed the property as a “pre-improvement” opportunity. They received two offers within three weeks. The winning buyer specifically mentioned the underpass project as a reason they chose the neighborhood, knowing that once it opens, east-west connectivity between I-35 and eastern Moore transforms entirely.
What the Market Data Tells Moore Sellers
Moore’s real estate numbers already tell a strong story:
- Median home price: approximately $260,000, reflecting a 3.1% year-over-year increase
- Average days on market: 32 days, significantly faster than the OKC metro average of 64 days
- Inventory levels: 2.6 to 3.4 months of supply, firmly in seller’s market territory
Along the SE 4th corridor in Central Moore, established homes from the 1970s through 1990s typically range from $210,000 to $260,000. Once the underpass opens and the construction detours disappear, I expect buyer demand in this corridor to increase noticeably. Infrastructure improvements of this scale historically boost property appeal, and this project also adds walkability through the new bike and pedestrian bridge, a feature that today’s buyers increasingly prioritize.
Beyond Traffic: How the Moore Underpass Improves Safety and Quality of Life
The traffic benefits alone would justify this $30 million investment. But the safety and quality-of-life improvements extend well beyond eliminated train delays.
Emergency Response Times in Moore
One of the most underappreciated benefits is improved emergency response times. When a train blocks SE 4th Street for ten minutes, ambulances and fire trucks heading to the nearby hospital or to neighborhoods east of the tracks face the same delay. The underpass eliminates that risk entirely. Congressman Tom Cole, who helped secure funding for the project, specifically highlighted reducing collisions between vehicles, trains, and cyclists as a core safety motivation.
Pedestrian and Bike Connectivity Near Central Park
The new bike and pedestrian bridge along the underpass corridor connects directly to the broader Moore pathway system near Central Park, the city’s primary recreational hub off SW 4th Street. If you’ve ever tried to walk or bike across those tracks with your kids, you understand why this matters. This added connectivity is the kind of improvement that makes a neighborhood feel fundamentally different to families evaluating where to settle.
I had a conversation recently with a first-time buyer relocating from Oklahoma City who told me she almost ruled out Moore entirely because of the train crossing delays. When I explained the underpass project and its early 2027 completion timeline, her perspective shifted completely. She’s now under contract on a home less than a mile from the project site.
Selling Your Moore Home During Construction: Strategy That Works
You might be wondering: should you wait until the underpass opens to list your home, or sell now while construction is still underway? With 10 years of experience in this market and a 5-out-of-5 star rating across 29 client reviews, here is what I recommend.
Why Listing Now in Moore Can Be the Smarter Move
- Moore’s market favors sellers right now. Inventory sits at 2.6 to 3.4 months of supply. That kind of scarcity gives you pricing power regardless of temporary construction inconvenience.
- Buyers who purchase now get “pre-improvement” pricing. Smart buyers understand they’re locking in at today’s values with a built-in appreciation catalyst on the horizon.
- Construction has a clear end date. The project is over 50% complete with completion targeted for early 2027. That’s not speculative, it’s visible progress with bridge structures, traffic signals, and east-side work already taking shape.
What I always tell my selling clients: the detours are temporary, but the infrastructure is permanent. Buyers who understand this distinction are the ones writing strong offers right now.
How Moore Fits Into the Broader Oklahoma City Metro Market
Moore’s position between Norman and Oklahoma City makes it a commuter sweet spot. The drive to downtown OKC via I-35 runs about 20 to 25 minutes, while Norman and the OU campus sit just 15 minutes south. Tinker Air Force Base is roughly 20 minutes east. The SE 4th Street underpass directly improves east-west flow for residents commuting toward Tinker, which is one of the region’s largest employers. That connectivity story becomes a powerful selling point for your listing when you understand how much home you can afford in Moore.
What Moore’s Underpass Means for the City’s Future
City Manager Brooks Mitchell has described the 4th Street underpass as “the biggest and most impactful project” for Moore, and it’s part of a broader wave of capital improvements including the Santa Fe project, improvements at 27th and Shields, and the Telephone Road project. Moore is not just fixing one intersection. The city is investing in its infrastructure backbone in a way that signals long-term growth and stability.
For sellers, that matters because buyers don’t just purchase homes. They buy into a city’s trajectory. And Moore’s trajectory right now is pointed upward. If you’re considering a move, buying in Moore might be right for you in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Moore SE 4th Street Underpass
What exactly is being built on SE 4th Street in Moore?
ODOT and BNSF are constructing a railroad underpass, not an overpass. The roadway at SH-37/SE 4th Street is being lowered beneath a new BNSF rail bridge. The project includes retaining walls, storm drainage, a bike and pedestrian bridge, new traffic signals, and full streetscape improvements along the corridor.
How much does the Moore underpass project cost?
The total investment is approximately $30 million. Funding comes from $27.9 million in General Obligation bonds approved in June 2018, supplemented by a RAISE Grant and Congressional Discretionary Spending. It’s a joint effort between the City of Moore, ODOT, and BNSF Railway.
When will the SE 4th Street underpass in Moore be completed?
The project is now over 50% complete as of early 2026. Completion is targeted for early 2027, with the city originally aiming for late summer 2026. SE 4th Street remains fully closed for the duration of construction.
Is SE 4th Street in Moore currently open to traffic?
No. SE 4th Street is closed for the full duration of the underpass project. Detour routes are in place, and nearby intersections are being connected to the new roadway alignment as construction progresses.
How many trains pass through the SE 4th Street crossing daily?
Approximately 36 trains pass through the at-grade BNSF crossing on SE 4th Street every day. The underpass permanently eliminates these delays by separating vehicle traffic from rail traffic.
Will the Moore underpass include pedestrian and bike access?
Yes. The project includes a dedicated bike and pedestrian bridge and pathway along the underpass corridor. This adds important walkability and connectivity for residents near Central Park and surrounding neighborhoods.
How does the Moore underpass project affect home values?
Infrastructure improvements of this scale typically increase buyer demand and neighborhood desirability. Moore’s median home price is already up 3.1% year over year, and the underpass is expected to further support appreciation along the SE 4th corridor and nearby areas.
Should I sell my Moore home now or wait until the underpass is finished?
Moore is currently in seller’s market territory with only 2.6 to 3.4 months of inventory. Listing now lets you capitalize on low inventory, while buyers who purchase during construction benefit from pre-improvement pricing. Both strategies have merit depending on your timeline. Understanding closing costs in Moore is also essential when planning your sale.
What neighborhoods in Moore benefit most from the underpass project?
The Central Moore area along the SE 4th corridor, neighborhoods near Central Park, and homes with convenient access to S. Santa Fe Avenue and S. Broadway will see the most direct benefit from improved east-west connectivity.
How does the Moore underpass improve emergency response?
By eliminating train delays at the at-grade crossing, emergency vehicles traveling east-west across Moore will no longer face unpredictable wait times. This directly improves response times to the nearby hospital and eastern Moore neighborhoods.
The Bottom Line – How the SE 4th Street Underpass Project in Moore Is Changing Home Values
The SE 4th Street Railroad Underpass is not just a road project. It’s a generational investment in Moore’s infrastructure that will permanently reshape how residents commute, how neighborhoods connect, and how buyers evaluate homes in this market. Whether you sell now during construction and capitalize on Moore’s tight inventory, or list once the underpass opens and the full connectivity improvement is realized, the trajectory is clear: Moore’s value proposition is getting stronger.
I’m Daniella Miller with Real Broker LLC, and I’ve spent 10 years helping families across Moore, Norman, and Oklahoma City navigate exactly these kinds of market-shaping decisions. If you’re thinking about selling your Moore home and want a strategy that accounts for the underpass timeline, give me a call at 405-413-9802.
Buyers exploring the area can learn more in our Moore real estate guide.