OTA "Access Oklahoma" Plan To Improve Turnpikes Across The State

Traveling on Oklahoma turnpikes could soon look a lot different and in some areas, a lot easier as well. On February 22, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and ODOT unveiled Access Oklahoma - a long-term plan that will improve turnpikes across the state.

"This is an exciting time for the state of Oklahoma,” said Tim Gatz, Secretary of Transportation for Oklahoma. “I could not be prouder to be a part of Governor Stitt's team."

Governor Kevin Stitt joined Gatz to talk about the program, which stands for Advancing and Connecting Communities and Economies Safely Statewide.

"This Access Oklahoma, it's a bold plan to make major investments throughout our entire turnpike system," said Stitt.

OTA unveiled a website, which gives Oklahomans details about proposed and ongoing projects across the state.

Highlights include widening the remainder of the Turner Turnpike to six lanes between Oklahoma City and Bristow.

The Will Rogers Turnpike will also be widened from Tulsa to Claremore, more lights will be added and the possibility of future HOV lanes.

OTA is also making interchange improvements statewide for easier access and to better help with the transition to a fully cashless system.

State leaders say the $5 billion project will not impact the state's budget since it'll be funded by bonds.

Revenues from tolls, investments and concession leases will then pay off the bonds to finance all construction and operating costs.

More information: http://www.accessoklahoma.com/