Turnpike drivers will start to see more construction in 2025 after the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority board approved updates to construction management contracts for ACCESS Oklahoma in their monthly meeting on Tuesday, according to a press release.
ACCESS Oklahoma is a 15-year plan that provides necessary upgrades to the turnpike system across the state. This also includes new routes to complete the Oklahoma City Outer Loop. According to the press release, thanks to OTA’s ongoing cashless conversion, several interchanges can now be added to the turnpike system, creating new access to communities and improving emergency response times.
ACCESS Oklahoma Project Coordinator Ladan Nelson said in the release that motorists will start to see more construction progress in seven corridors, including the I-44/Turner Turnpike, I-44/Will Rogers Turnpike, the John Kilpatrick Turnpike and the SH-364/Creek Turnpike.
The board voted unanimouslyonTuesdayto approve three construction management services contract updates to current contracts for ongoing engineering design services, environmental studies and permitting, route alignment students, corridor management, GIS and mapping services, public involvement and program oversight. The updates are for work expected to take place in 2025.
They include $1.3 million to Freese & Nichols, $1.9 million to CEC and $13.8 million to Poe & Associates. The board also approved an $8.3 million increase in on-demand right-of-way services contracts with five companies that will assist OTA in right-ofway acquisitions for an estimated 285 parcels in upcoming projects.