OTA Turnpike Project Suspension Puts Davenport Business Owners’ Wish On Hold 

As News 9 reported on Tuesday, The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is halting work on its $5 billion Turnpike Expansion plan, at least for now. According to the OTA's director, they're waiting on ongoing litigation and the OK from the State Supreme Court before moving ahead.

While some are elated the ACCESS Oklahoma plan is on hold, others feel left in the dust. Some small-town businesses say these turnpike projects could help them grow. 

About 50 miles up the Turner Turnpike from Oklahoma City there is a town straight out of the Disney movie 'Cars.'

“I think we’ve come a long way,” said Tammy Warden, the owner of Tammy’s Round-Up Café.  

People often drive by never knowing Davenport exists.

“I think it just represents small-town America,” said Michelle Moore, manager of Tammy’s Round-Up Café. “There’s a lot of people who don’t know we’re here.”

Which is a real shame if you’ve never been to Tammy Warden’s Round-Up Café.   

“We’re probably one of the busiest restaurants in Lincoln County,” Warden said. 

Warden’s café is where regulars like Don Sporleder hang out. Sporleder owns Davenport’s 49-year-old newspaper.

“Graduated from the OU journalism school in 1974,” Sporleder said.

Sporleder said Davenport is known for its good restaurants.

Cindy and Joe Acord opened a brand-new convenience store because they love this town.

“We do, or we wouldn’t have built our store here,” Acord said.

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority would have connected the Turner Turnpike to Davenport.

“It would’ve been just perfect,” Warden said.

Lawsuits tied up in the supreme court suspended that project on Tuesday.

 “It would open up a lot of doors for us,” Moore said.

Davenport matters to its people.

“It means everything to me,” Warden said.

Moore grew up poor. She said that experience made her feel small. Her leadership role at the café makes her feel like someone with purpose.

“I feel like I’ve been a part of something,” Moore said.

The people of Davenport believe in their town. That’s why they want a road to round-up more visitors.

“My goodness it would make a big difference,” Sporleder said.

Only then will people find out what they’re missing.

People in Davenport won’t know for certain whether their town will get its wish until the State Supreme Court decides on ACCESS Oklahoma.