TRUST Supports ACCESS OK Program

RestoreTRUST.org Press Release May 15, 2025

The members of Transportation Revenues Used Strictly for Transportation (TRUST) renew their

full support of ACCESS Oklahoma which is enhancing Oklahoma’s surface transportation

infrastructure through expansion and upgrades to the statewide toll network operated by the

Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA).

The ACCESS program has addressed traffic needs within projects already completed since it was

announced in 2022. Two of those projects are the interchange at Flint Road on the Will Rogers

Turnpike (I-44) and the interchange access at SH-66 on the Turner Turnpike (I-44) near

Kellyville. TRUST renews its support for projects in the Cleveland County area while

commending Cleveland County commissioners for facilitating the addition of frontage roads and

access points on the East-West Connector in north Norman. The South Extension Turnpike is one

of the final pieces of the ACCESS program and a necessary facility that will in alleviating traffic

congestion on I-35 and provide additional access to the Norman area, one of Oklahoma's fastest

growing communities and home to The University of Oklahoma's main campus. 

ACCESS projects are much needed but cannot be constructed by the Oklahoma Department of

Transportation (ODOT) due to declining revenue sources and high volume of maintenance needs

within their existing system. Turnpikes are constructed without financial burden to taxpayers and

provide access to many smaller communities, often generating accompanying economic

development projects. The OTA is highly-rated financially nationwide and its fiscal

responsibility protects taxpayers from the additional burden of tax-supported highways.

As Oklahoma’s population continues to increase, especially in urban areas, transportation leaders

must look forward in developing a surface transportation network that moves Oklahomans safely

and efficiently throughout the state but also visitors and commercial traffic. Oklahoma’s toll

network, including ACCESS Oklahoma, compliments ODOT's work in a manner that

provides Oklahomans a choice in which highways they choose to travel. ACCESS projects will

advance Oklahoma’s overall highway network to accommodate increased vehicular traffic that is

occurring now and will continue well into the future.

View the press release: RestoreTRUST.org