Westbound Pikepass lane at Coweta on Muskogee Turnpike closes for installation of new equipment

Drivers on the westbound Muskogee Turnpike can expect delays when they reach the toll gate near Coweta.

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is installing new equipment in the Pikepass lane which will sense how many axles a vehicle has and charge it accordingly.

The project's expected to last about two weeks after which they'll begin work on the eastbound side, creating a backup in that direction for about two weeks.

OHP Trooper Jack Choate told KRMG at the gate that traffic wasn't a real problem Monday morning because the work didn't begin until after 8:00 a.m.

By Tuesday morning, though, he expects a longer delay.

OTA has installed signs indicating that all three lanes usually used by those paying the tolls in cash are now open to both cash and Pikepass customers.

The Pikepass will still work in those lanes.

OTA spokesman Jack Damrill says the Authority is also installing similar equipment at the Newcastle toll booth on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike.

The new Pikepass lane will restrict vehicle width to 8 feet, 6 inches.