The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority’s governing board, shown here in January 2024, is moving forward with a $5 billion turnpike improvement project. (Photo by Carmen Forman/Oklahoma Voice)
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority on Tuesday announced it was pushing forward with a $5 billion statewide project after it was put on hold due to legal challenges.
“I am excited to report that we are planning to get all of our consultants back working this week,” said T.J. Dill, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority’s chief engineer.
The 15-year project was put on hold in April, Dill said.
“We are going to restart and take a hard look at some design activities and really reaffirm our prioritization,” said Transportation Secretary Tim Gatz.
Gatz oversees the Turnpike Authority and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.
The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority sold $500 million in bonds in October to finance Advancing and Connecting Communities and Economies Safely Statewide, dubbed ACCESS .
The project includes new interchanges, more access points and roadway widening. It will provide three new routes in the Oklahoma City area to finish the outer loop and provide an Interstate 35 relief route.