The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is pausing its long-range plan to make enhancements and develop the state’s freeway and turnpike system.
ACCESS Oklahoma, a 15-year, $5 billion plan, contains the $495 million growth of the Gilcrease Expressway in Tulsa and $370 million to widen a 12-mile section of the Will Rogers Turnpike between Claremore and the U.S. 412 interchange close to Catoosa.
In line with a information launch from the state company Tuesday, the hurdle is “our incapacity to enter the bond market,” Secretary of Transportation and OTA Govt Director Tim Gatz informed the company’s board within the memo.
Company officers have cited current authorized issues pending earlier than the Supreme Court docket, in addition to a pending state investigative audit, which have prevented entry to the bond market.
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In line with the company’s web site, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority will proceed design and planning work “on just one part of the Will Rogers Turnpike,” whereas the rest of the challenge is paused.
Planning can be paused for the Gilcrease North West section connecting from the north finish of the Gilcrease Turnpike challenge at U.S. 412 to the Gilcrease Expressway on the L.L. Tisdale Parkway. The challenge additionally included plans to rehab the “rodeo” bridges on the Creek Turnpike over Haikey Creek in Damaged Arrow.
“Till the Oklahoma Supreme Court docket points its choice on OTA’s utility for approval of bonds, the OTA doesn’t have entry to the bond market to fund planning and building actions for the ACCESS Oklahoma Program,” a press release reads.
Regular operations and toll highway upkeep will proceed, the company says, in addition to conversion to cashless tolling.
“Regardless of the large transportation wants throughout the state, I really feel it’s prudent to take this troublesome step,” Gatz mentioned in a information launch. “That is an unlucky choice that the OTA doesn’t take calmly as a result of crucial nature of the ACCESS Oklahoma plan and the impact it should have on all our consultants and their workers in addition to many Oklahoma communities and companies that depend on these obligatory transportation enhancements. Whereas these delays gradual progress for the state, it doesn’t remove the necessity for these crucial transportation enhancements that can enhance security and the standard of life for all Oklahomans.”
A Cleveland County district choose dominated the Turnpike Authority “willfully” violated the Open Assembly Act when it posted assembly agendas that lacked particulars on the ACCESS Oklahoma plan. Gatz has mentioned he thinks the Turnpike Authority acted in compliance with the Open Assembly Act and has appealed the ruling. Two different lawsuits relating to the turnpike growth plan stay pending.