OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (July 27, 2017) – A major construction project on the Turner Turnpike is set to begin Tuesday, August 8, 2017, expanding the Interstate from four lanes to six lanes.
The expansion is part of the Driving Forward initiative announced by Governor Mary Fallin in October of 2015. The project will expand the turnpike to six lanes from mile marker 202 to mile marker 222. The first phase of the construction will begin near mile marker 207 with other phases beginning this fall.
This design will expand the Turner Turnpike from four to six lanes and increase the width of shoulders and add a new modern median barrier wall. Four lanes are expected to be open for the duration of the project, except on rare occasions, when nighttime lane closures will be necessary.
The expansion will also create an urban turnpike corridor, similar to the Kilpatrick Turnpike in Oklahoma City and the Creek Turnpike in the Tulsa area, with LED lighting the entire 22 miles.
During the project, Oklahoma Highway Patrol will provide 24-hour surveillance along the construction zone. In addition, service vehicles and wreckers will be stationed throughout the 22 miles. Troopers, ambulatory services and wreckers will engage key points to clear any roadway accidents or impediments to traffic flow as needed.
Emergency personnel have also identified detour routes near Kellyville and Bristow should a complete road closure occur.
“The Turner Turnpike is a vital turnpike corridor that connects Oklahoma’s two metro areas,” said OTA Executive Director Tim Gatz. “Improving safety on this road is our number one priority. In the last five years there have been 15 fatalities and 514 wrecks on this section of road. Those numbers are a great concern. Too many people have lost their lives, and we want to do everything we can to make turnpikes safer for our citizens.”
Motorists can learn more about updates and road closures by going to www.turnerturnpike.com.
For more information about the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, please visit www.pikepass.com.
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About Oklahoma Turnpike Authority
Oklahoma Turnpike Authority was established in 1947 to construct, operate and maintain Oklahoma turnpikes. Today, Oklahoma turnpikes are the safest and quickest ways to travel across the state. Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is managing multiple renovations throughout the state to maintain and operate the turnpike system to the highest standard. To learn more about the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and recent projects, visit, www.pikepass.com.
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