Toll rate increase supports largest reinvestment in Oklahoma turnpike history

SOUTHWEST LEDGER

By News Staff February 4, 2025

By Gene Love The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority has purposely kept toll rates extremely low for decades because its leadership understands Oklahomans’ desire for a low cost of living and low tax structure. Today, Oklahoma’s turnpikes remain one of the best transportation values with one of the lowest average toll rates in the nation.

The Authority has charged only what was needed for operations and maintenance of the system throughout its 71-year history. Toll rate increases during OTA’s existence, with rare exception, have always coincided with significant upgrades and reinvestment into the turnpike system.

A 1-cent per mile on average toll rate increase went into effect on 11 of Oklahoma’s turnpikes Jan. 1, 2025. This increase in tolls is 68% below the national average of 22 cents per mile. The previous rate increases were in 2017, 2018 and 2019 as part of the Authority’s “Driving Forward” initiative, which saw construction of the Kickapoo Turnpike in eastern Oklahoma County, the Gilcrease Expressway in west Tulsa, and the extension of the John Kilpatrick Turnpike in Oklahoma City.

VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE: SOUTHWESTLEDGER.COM