OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KOKH) — Pike Off OTA, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing the development of two proposed turnpikes, has filed a federal lawsuit against the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to stop the construction of the East-West Connector “EWC” Turnpike Project, citing environmental concerns.

In the lawsuit, Pike Off OTA says construction of the EWC Turnpike Project is negatively impacting critical habitats for endangered species and the surrounding environment.

The lawsuit also alleges OTA is violating the Clean Water Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the Federal Transportation Act.

Pike Off OTA aims to stop further construction and prevent additional bond funding until the required permits and environmental reviews have been completed.

Other Defendants Listed in the Lawsuit:

• United States Army Corps, Tulsa Division (USACE)
• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
• Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation
• United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)

The East-West Connector Turnpike is part of ACCESS Oklahoma, a long-range plan to update Oklahoma’s turnpikes, bridges, and pavement and add three new routes in the Oklahoma City metro area.

Mission Statement from the ACCESS Oklahoma website:

This 15-year long-range plan has always been about motorist safety. OTA’s mission is to help facilitate traffic throughout the state by seamlessly connecting with the state highway system, thereby providing a choice for a safe, convenient, and efficient user-funded transportation network. OTA’s goal is to provide safe infrastructure while maintaining the lowest toll rate possible for our customers.

Pike Off OTA’s lawsuit is focusing on the EWC Turnpike, which Pike OFF said acts as a four-lane toll road expressway from I-44 Tri-City area (Newcastle, Blanchard, Tuttle) at SH-37. The turnpike will cross the South Canadian River, east to I-35 along Indian Hills Road in the Moore/Norman area.

The turnpike will also connect to the new Kickapoo Turnpike.

In the lawsuit, Pike Off OTA said installments and construction areas will permanently impact the Waters of the United States.

The EWC requires numerous installments and construction areas, including the building of temporary and permanent access roads, that will materially, and in some instances, permanently impact the Waters of the United States in the subject project area; notably the Canadian River, Lake Thunderbird, and Lost Creek. In sum, the EWC Project proposes the construction of approximately 30.5 miles of turnpike with two new bridges spanning the Canadian River, and other construction activities that will include the discharge and fill of materials into federally protected jurisdictions and waterways.

Pike Off OTA said that the OTA, USACE, FHWA, FWS, and the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation have all failed to uphold their duties to ensure the protection of Oklahoma’s wildlife, waterways, natural environment, and Pike Off OTA’s procedural rights.

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The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is competing once again in the American Association of State Troopers’ Best Looking Cruiser Contest, this time showcasing the agency’s history alongside its modern fleet.

The entry features OHP’s restored 1937 Ford patrol car paired with a current Chevrolet Tahoe, highlighting nearly nine decades of the agency’s patrol vehicle tradition.

OHP highlights historic patrol car

According to OHP, the contest entry celebrates the agency’s original 1937 Ford patrol car and its connection to the modern Chevrolet Tahoe used by troopers today.

The agency says the iconic black-and-white “dovetail” paint scheme debuted on the 1937 Ford, with the white paint wrapping over the rear wheel wells. OHP says that design became the foundation for the look that continues to represent the agency today.

How voting works

The Best Looking Cruiser Contest is decided by public vote here.

OHP says each device is allowed one vote, and every vote is important as the agency competes against perennial favorites for a chance to earn a spot in the 2027 American Association of State Troopers calendar.

Looking to improve on last year

Oklahoma finished eighth in the nation in last year’s Best Looking Cruiser Contest.

The agency is hoping this year’s entry featuring both its historic 1937 Ford and modern Chevrolet Tahoe will help improve its finish and secure a place in the 2027 calendar.

“As Route 66 celebrates its 100th birthday, we wanted to honor the most iconic highway in America and the Oklahoma Troopers who have patrolled it for generations,” OHP said. “Since 1937, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers have traveled its pavement, assisted stranded motorists, investigated crashes, enforced traffic laws, and answered calls for service along the Mother Road. Route 66 isn’t just a historic highway to us—it’s part of our history.”

In this week’s Your Vote Counts, Oklahoma’s Own Scott Mitchell leads Jason Dunnington and Sen. Paul Rosino in a discussion about new Oklahoma laws, including those addressing data centers. Other topics include inflation and the ongoing impact of the war in Iran.