Survey letters provided to private property owners for aerial markings

Property owners in the area of Driving Forward projects for the Southwest Kilpatrick Extension and Eastern Oklahoma County turnpikes recieved letters for surveys on private property. These surveys required the placement of black or white markings on their property for aerial surveying. The letter notes that "the location of the temporary aerial targets does not signify the location of where the future turnpike alignment will be located, rather it will be used for the purpose of gathering data to make an assessment of the optimal location of the turnpike alignment." The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority has stated that no alignments have been set for any of the turnpike projects and that a decision on alignments will be announced in late spring, early summer.

A copy of the full text found within the survey letter is below:

Re: Oklahoma Turnpike Authority – Driving Forward Program

Legal Description: Property located in…

Dear Land Owner,

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is in the process of performing an alignment study. The purpose of this study is to aid in the determination of a future Turnpike Alignment from the John Kilpatrick Turnpike at the Interstate 40 connection and connecting south to State Highway 152 (Airport Road). This study will consist of aerial reconnaissance to obtain imagery and data that is essential for the determination of the future Turnpike alignment.

During this study, it will be necessary for survey crews to locate and place temporary aerial targets on or near your property. The location of the temporary aerial targets does not signify the location of where the future turnpike alignment will be located, rather it will be used for the purpose of gathering data to make an assessment of the optimal location of the turnpike alignment. These targets will be a 4 foot by 4 foot “+” and will consist of white and black material or white paint placed on the surface of the ground. The access on your property and placement of these targets will create minimal impact to your property and the process should only take a small amount of time to place each target at its location.

The placement of the temporary aerial targets will begin in the coming 2-3 weeks from the date of this letter. The access on the property may require a ½ ton pickup truck or persons on foot to reach the location of the aerial targets to be placed. If you have any pertinent information regarding access to your property, such as gate access, livestock, hunting or agricultural activities, etc. that you would like us to know about, please include that information on the enclosed form. If you agree to grant us permission to enter your property, please sign and return the enclosed form to me in the enclosed, self-addressed stamped envelope.