New Train Depot Opens On Route 66 In Tulsa

The City of Tulsa opened a $3 million dollar train depot Friday at the Route 66 Historic Village in West Tulsa.

The project is part of the Vision Tulsa package approved by voters. Just before the ribbon was cut, Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum talked about capitalizing on the tourism of Route 66.

“Everybody in Tulsa believes in what we’re trying to do on Route 66 in our community,” said Bynum.

 City Councilor Jeannie Cue spearheaded the effort to get city funding for the project and navigate agreements between the City and County, and ODOT, to ensure the project would happen. The 5,000 square foot “Redfork Depot” was built to resemble one built nearby in 1883. The surroundings include the “Frisco Meteor 4500” train, a plaza of flags from each state along Route 66, a visitor’s center, and replica oil derrick in the style of those from the early days of exploration in the area.

“Having this Depot here at the Route 66 Village not only encourages people to stop and explore” said Rhys Martin, President of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, “but with a facility of this size, it encourages even the locals to maybe rent out the facility, get to know the West Side, get to know Route 66 a little better.”

The building was designed by architect Keith Robertson.