Proposed Cleveland Co. turnpike route moves west, citing construction limitations

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) announced changes to the proposed route of its South Extension Turnpike in Cleveland County, citing construction limitations along the original path.

According to an OTA spokesperson, sections of the previously proposed route were found to be unsuitable for highway development. As a result, the agency plans to shift the route further west of Lake Thunderbird and closer to Interstate 35.

The revised route is still in the planning phase, and the OTA says public input will be essential moving forward. To gather community feedback, the agency will host public meetings next month in both Norman and Purcell. Specific dates and locations for those meetings are expected to be announced soon.

The South Extension is part of a broader transportation improvement initiative designed to ease congestion and enhance connectivity in central Oklahoma. OTA officials say community input will help determine the best alignment for the new turnpike as planning continues.