Feds halt turnpike route; OTA planning a new one

The Journal Record
 By: Janice Francis-Smith
 January 24, 2023

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority last week met yet another setback in its plan to route a turnpike extension through Norman, as federal officials have denied the agency access to lands near Lake Thunderbird. (Courtesy photo/Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department)
 The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority has met another setback in its plan to route a turnpike extension through Norman after federal officials denied the agency access to lands near Lake Thunderbird.
 Opponents of the controversial project gleaned little comfort from the denial, however, expecting the OTA likely will adjust the route slightly to the west.
 The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation rejected the OTA’s application to cross two sections of its property to accommodate the route for a proposed South Extension turnpike, according to a letter sent to stakeholders on Jan. 18.

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