Oklahoma Landmark Travel Plaza Reopens Monday In Vinita

An Oklahoma landmark with a new lease on life is reopening for business Monday. The Will Rogers Archway is newly remodeled to the tune of about $15 million.

Monday, December 22nd 2014, 12:33 pm

By: News On 6

Oklahoma Landmark Travel Plaza Reopens Monday In Vinita

An Oklahoma landmark with a new lease on life is reopening for business Monday. The Will Rogers Archway has been remodeled to the tune of about $15 million.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is holding a dedication ceremony Monday for the travel plaza that stretches across Interstate 44. The McDonald's, Subway and Kum N Go gas station will be open for business at 4 p.m.

The Archway has been closed since the summer of 2013 as crews replaced the huge glass windows, took down the aluminum curtain wall blinds on the west side and enlarged the facility.

12/17/2014 Related Story: Iconic McDonald's Set To Reopen Along Will Rogers Turnpike

Construction was delayed by a couple of months as crews ran into some surprises, but it will open just in time for holiday travel.

"They worked tirelessly around the clock," said Turnpike Authority Executive Director Tim Stewart.

The original plaza was built in 1957 and was the Glass House pancake house for some time. Now it includes a tribute to Oklahoma's favorite son, Will Rogers.

The section of the Will Rogers Turnpike near Vinita sees about 26,000 motorists daily, according to ODOT.