Oklahoma Turnpike Authority puts $5 billion project on hold after court decision

OKLAHOMA CITY — A multi-billion dollar project aimed at improving Oklahoma roads is currently on pause as the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority navigates its next steps.

On Dec. 1, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority received lost a decision in an Open Meetings Act lawsuit filed in Cleveland County District Court.

The lawsuit was filed by a group of Norman residents opposed to the ACCESS Oklahoma program who were worried they may be forced out of their homes due to construction.

As a result of the Court’s decision, work authorized during the January and February 2022 board meetings are paused until the board considers and takes corrective action, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority posted on its website.

These projects include: I-44/Turner Turnpike widening, I-44/Will Rogers Turnpike widening, John Kilpatrick Turnpike widening, new access points throughout Oklahoma’s toll-supported network, and new alignments (East-West Connector, Tri-City Connector, South Extension, and Gilcrease Northwest segment).

“The Authority will move in a deliberate and thoughtful manner, in compliance with the Court’s decision, to progress ACCESS Oklahoma,” the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority posted on its website.

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