OTA will not build turnpike frontage roads, amenities, without Norman resolution

The Norman Transcript By Archiebald Browne

Sep 3, 2024

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority confirmed in a statement Tuesday they will not construct frontage roads or other amenities to the East-West Connector of the ACCESS Oklahoma turnpike expansion planned for Norman.

The statement follows a recent Norman City Council vote unanimously rejecting a resolution acknowledging the plan.

The City of Norman had requests for frontage roads at multiple points and lane widening in the resolution the council rejected last week. The resolution would not have “welcomed or endorsed the intrusion of the turnpikes built by the OTA,” it stated.

The resolution also would have acknowledged the proposed South Extension Turnpike project with the understanding that the OTA hasn’t set the final alignment.

Lisa Shearer-Salim, an OTA spokesperson, said frontage roads are not necessary for the turnpike to operate as they are a benefit to local infrastructure.

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