The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) has officially released the revised route for its southern extension project, a development that will directly impact dozens of homeowners in the Norman and Noble areas. The new alignment was announced during a meeting that, while closed to in-person public attendance, was made available to view via a livestream.
Key Takeaways
- The OTA has finalized a new route for its southern turnpike extension project.
- The route will run between 48th and 60th in Norman and between 60th and 72nd in Noble.
- An estimated 75 homes are currently in the path of the new alignment, with more potentially affected as planning continues.
- Three public meetings are scheduled for late September to address property acquisition with affected homeowners.
- The project is slated for completion by 2034.
Details of the Revised Turnpike Alignment
The newly announced route for the southern extension of the Oklahoma turnpike system specifies a clear path through Cleveland County. In the city of Norman, the planned roadway will be situated between 48th Avenue N.W. and 60th Avenue N.W. Continuing south into the town of Noble, the alignment shifts to run between 60th Avenue N.W. and 72nd Avenue N.W.
This revised plan is part of the broader Access Oklahoma long-range plan, which aims to improve transportation infrastructure across the state. According to officials, the selection of this specific route followed an evaluation of various factors, including community impact and environmental considerations.
What is the Access Oklahoma Plan?
Access Oklahoma is a 15-year, $5 billion long-range plan by the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. It includes several projects aimed at improving turnpike safety, reducing congestion, and enhancing economic development. The southern extension is one of the key components of this comprehensive initiative.
Impact on Homeowners and Community Outreach
The most immediate consequence of the new route is the displacement of residents. The OTA has estimated that at least 75 homes are located directly within the new alignment. Officials acknowledge this number could increase as the final design and planning phases are completed. The announcement has created uncertainty for many families living in the designated corridor.
To address the concerns of affected property owners, the OTA has pledged to work directly with them. Trenton January, Chief Engineer for the OTA, acknowledged the difficulty of the situation for those impacted.
“We recognize that this will be difficult for those homeowners, and OTA’s pledge to them is to work diligently and transparently with them throughout the entire process,” January stated.
The authority's next step is to initiate discussions regarding property acquisition. This process involves the government purchasing private property for public use, a procedure known as eminent domain, though the OTA has expressed a commitment to fair and transparent negotiations.
Public Meeting Schedule for Affected Residents
To facilitate communication and provide information on the acquisition process, the OTA will host three public meetings specifically for homeowners whose properties are in the alignment. These meetings will offer a forum for residents to ask questions and learn about their options. The schedule is as follows:
- Wednesday, September 24: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Nancy O’Brien Center for the Performing Arts in Norman.
- Saturday, September 27: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the NCED Conference Center and Hotel.
- Monday, September 29: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Noble High School.
Residents unable to attend one meeting are encouraged to go to one of the other scheduled sessions. The OTA has stated these events are a critical part of its commitment to transparency with those directly impacted by the project.
Project by the Numbers
- 75+: Estimated homes impacted by the new route.
- 3: Public meetings scheduled for homeowners.
- 2034: The target year for the South Extension's completion.
- 15: The number of years in the overarching Access Oklahoma plan.
Environmental Considerations and Project Timeline
In developing the revised route, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority reported that it made efforts to minimize the project's environmental footprint. Planners aimed to avoid sensitive ecological areas to protect local wildlife and natural resources.
Specifically, the OTA stated that the route was designed to steer clear of known floodplains, wetlands, and major streams where possible. This approach is intended to reduce the impact on water quality and preserve critical habitats for the region's fauna and flora. Environmental reviews are a standard part of such large-scale infrastructure projects and will continue as the design is finalized.
The long-term timeline for the southern extension is ambitious. Officials are targeting a completion date of 2034. This 10-year outlook accounts for the multiple phases of the project, including final design, property acquisition, utility relocation, and the extensive construction process itself. The project represents a significant, long-term investment in the region's transportation network.
