Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Stops Work On ACCESS Projects

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority has announced they will stop work on ACCESS Oklahoma projects.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority notified its board and its consultants that all work on the comprehensive, long-range plan, known as Access Oklahoma, will cease as of Friday, April 14.

This stoppage includes the work on the Turner Turnpike as well as the widening and interchange additions for safety and community access on other highly used turnpikes across the state – projects that are high priorities to the board, OTA and the state as a whole.

Related: OTA Approves Funding For Turner Turnpike Platepay

“I have mentioned several times, including during the recent board meeting, that our continued ACCESS Oklahoma project work would be impacted or even stopped due to our inability to enter the bond market,” Secretary of Transportation and OTA Executive Director Tim Gatz told the board in the memo.

The OTA said several factors came into play when making this decision. They said the legal matters with the Supreme Court, including the "validation" case and impeding state investigative audit have prevented them access to the bond market.

Related: AG Drummond Requests Audit Of Oklahoma Turnpike Authority

Normal operations and maintenance on existing toll roads will continue, according to the OTA.

The organization also said they will be moving forward with the conversion to cashless tolling.

“Despite the tremendous transportation needs across the state, I feel it is prudent to take this difficult step,” Gatz said. “This is an unfortunate decision that the OTA does not take lightly due to the critical nature of the ACCESS Oklahoma plan and the effect it will have on all our consultants and their employees as well as many Oklahoma communities and businesses that rely on these necessary transportation improvements. While these delays slow progress for the state, it doesn’t eliminate the need for these critical transportation enhancements that will improve safety and the quality of life for all Oklahomans.”

Related: Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Seeking First Billion In Bond Funding For ACCESS Projects

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond released the following statement after the announcement:

“I am aware of the Turnpike Authority’s announcement to stop all work on toll road construction and improvements. This is a concerning development that causes me to question the leadership and cash flow management of this critical agency. While it is unclear what the future holds for OTA, I am certain that the investigative audit I have ordered is needed now more than ever.”