OUTER LOOP: EAST-WEST CONNECTOR

PROJECT UPDATE

At this time, the OTA is continuing design and planning work on only the section of the East-West Connector from I-44 to just east of I-35 at Air Depot. OTA has paused all activity on the eastern portion of the route to I-40 (including the interchange with the South Extension). Until the Oklahoma Supreme Court issues its decision on OTA’s application for approval of bonds, the OTA does not have access to the bond market to fund planning and construction activities for the ACCESS Oklahoma Program.

In January, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation formally responded to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority’s application to cross its property for turnpike expansion under the ACCESS Oklahoma plan. While the agency denied OTA’s application along the route of the South Extension, they did indicate willingness to work with OTA on the East-West Connector’s alignment across pipeline and flowage easements. OTA will continue to coordinate and plan the East-West Connector to ensure the easement crossings are planned, designed and constructed without interfering with the easement interests or the Norman Project’s infrastructure or operation.