Oklahoma Turnpike Authority getting the ball back rolling on Cleveland Co. turnpike

NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) — During the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority meeting on Tuesday, the board announced they're resuming plans on a Cleveland County Turnpike plan.

"We've envisioned this route in part, moving heavy traffic out of Oklahoma City Center and off of I-35 to the Oklahoma City outer loop, which will ultimately lessen some of the congestion and crashes," said Joe Echelle, OTA Director.

The plan was announced in 2022, but pushback sent the project into a legal battle that was resolved in a favorable Supreme Court ruling in August 2023.

"We need to start getting a better idea of where the future South extension route will connect to the East-West Connector. We know that route has to move," said Lisa Shearer-Salim, OTA Spokeswoman.

Salim said the plans for the new route are still up in the air.

However, Randy Carter with Oklahomans for Responsible Transportation believes it will shift west anywhere between 48th and 72nd, that would go all the way up to and over Highway 9.

"We're certainly disappointed that they've decided to start work back up on it again," said Carter.

Carter also said, "It's going to bring a whole new group of people under the gun that previously probably had no idea that a turnpike was going through. Now, their homes are going to likely be in peril when this project gets started up and running."

OTA said families are their top priority.

"This is very serious business and we don't take it lightly. We know that this is going to impact people, unfortunately," said Salim.

Carter said he feels it will be "An eye-opening experience for them [OTA workers] when they find out it's possible that their homes may be taken and replaced with a turnpike."

The Turnpike Authority said they plan to have public meetings sometime this year to gather input.