OTA says proposed south extension turnpike will be rerouted

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority says the highly contested proposed south extension turnpike through Cleveland County is moving.

OTA announced the adjustment at their media availability on Wednesday, saying the original route alignment had areas that did not allow for highways to be built over.

The proposed turnpike will now be moved farther west of Lake Thunderbird and closer toward Interstate 35, according to Terri Angier, a spokesperson for the South Extension project. Angier says they have not pinpointed the exact route yet because the agency needs to plan around community feedback and several environmental and traffic condition studies.

The agency is planning to host two community meetings in Norman and Purcell in May to gather more information about the area for the proposed project. Angier says OTA will announce meeting dates and locations soon.

OTA first announced the proposed turnpike extension three years ago, which would extend the Kickapoo Turnpike through Cleveland County. OTA says the route would relieve major traffic congestion on I-35 near Norman, which officials say was designed for fewer cars than the current traffic.

The proposed project has continuously received major pushback from Norman and Cleveland County residents, most notably through Pike Off OTA. Leaders of the group have cited concerns with the impact the proposed turnpike could have on hundreds of homes in its path.

OTA says it is collecting a database of contact information for community members who are interested in receiving updates on the rerouted South Turnpike Extension. Angier says you can call the agency at 1-844-562-2237 (toll-free) or email it at info@accessoklahoma.com.