Turnpikes of Oklahoma

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Kickapoo Turnpike.svg Kilpatrick Turnpike.svg
Highway markers for the Kickapoo and Kilpatrick Turnpikes
Turnpikes of Oklahoma
Turnpikes highlighted in red
Highway names
Interstates Interstate nn (I-nn)
US Highways U.S. Highway nn (US nn)
State State Highway nn (SH-nn)
System links
  • Oklahoma State Highway System

Oklahoma has an extensive turnpike system, maintained by the state government through the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. All of Oklahoma's turnpikes are controlled-access highways. The majority have at least four lanes, though the Chickasaw Turnpike is two lanes.

Contents

Tolls on Oklahoma's turnpikes are collected through several methods, particular to each turnpike, involving mainline and sidegate toll plazas. Tolls can be paid through cash (at either unstaffed exact-change bays or staffed booths, depending on the plaza) or through the Pikepass transponder system. In place of cash collection booths, PlatePay, a cashless pay-by-mail system, operates on many of the state's turnpikes, including the Kilpatrick Turnpike, Kickapoo Turnpike, and Creek Turnpike.

Turnpikes

Surveyed but not built

Shortly after the Turner Turnpike was built in 1953, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority proposed other toll roads including one to be built from Oklahoma City north to the Kansas border near Braman to tie in with the southern terminus of the Kansas Turnpike at the state line. That routing was included as part of the Federal Highway Act of 1956 which created the Interstate Highway System. As a result, the OTA could not obtain financing to build that proposed turnpike and turned the initial plans including surveys and blueprints over to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation in 1956 for the construction of I-35 as a freeway on that same alignment, which was completed in several stages between 1958 and 1962.

Also proposed but never built was a toll road roughly following what would later become I-35 between Oklahoma City and the Red River north of Gainesville, Texas that included a spur route veering from the main route north of Ardmore veering northeastward past Ada to tie in with the Turner Turnpike near Stroud, Oklahoma.

Also proposed in the 1990s, but never built was an extension of the Muskogee Turnpike from its current southeastern terminus at I-40 southeastward toward Poteau.

Payment methods

Pikepass

Pikepass is the electronic toll collection system used by the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. Created in 1990 and launched on January 1, 1991, Pikepass provides an alternative to paying cash tolls. [2] Most customers pay an initial $40 in prepaid tolls, which they can refill at their own convenience or have funds automatically withdrawn to replenish the account if it falls below a threshold. Pikepass usage results in a 5% savings up front and customers with 20 or more uses of the Pikepass receive a credit of 5% of their toll charges for that month.

Interoperability

As of June 2024, Pikepass can be used on all turnpikes in Kansas, Texas and most turnpikes in Florida and Colorado as well as Oklahoma. [3] Oklahoma turnpikes also accept all transponders from Kansas (K-TAG) and Texas (EZ TAG, TollTag, TxTag), and SunPass from Florida, and ExpressToll from Colorado.

PlatePay

On July 25, 2021, toll collection booths on the Kilpatrick Turnpike were closed and replaced with the new cashless pay-by-mail system known as PlatePay. Customers using PlatePay travel in the same lanes as customers when passing through a toll plaza. Instead of the toll being deducted from an account, drivers are mailed an invoice for their toll which is paid through an online portal or by check. Due to added costs with the new system, PlatePay toll rates are 75 percent higher on average than the previous cash rates. On January 25, 2022, the Kickapoo Turnpike closed its toll collection booths to begin PlatePay operations. [4] On June 21, 2022, the H. E. Bailey Turnpike from Lawton to Oklahoma City and its spur to Norman went cashless. [5] The remainder of the turnpike from Lawton to Texas was converted on July 27, 2022. On August 16, 2022, the Chicksaw Turnpike went cashless. The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority plans to implement cashless tolling through PlatePay on all turnpikes by the end of 2024. [6] [7]

As of November 20, 2024, the conversion to cashless tolling is complete with the Will Rogers Turnpike from Tulsa to the Missouri state line being the last turnpike to do so.

Criticism

The turnpike system has received criticism from many, most notably from Gary Richardson, former U.S. Attorney and candidate for Governor of Oklahoma in 2002 and 2018, who has called for the abolition of the Turnpike Authority. Critics have noted the lack of revenue from turnpikes that actually goes to the state of Oklahoma. [8] [9] The OTA counters that it receives no tax money to maintain, operate, and pay off the turnpike system; and, if the state had to pay routine maintenance and capital rehabilitation on the turnpikes, the cost to the government would be an additional $105 million annually. [10]

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Kilpatrick Turnpike</span> Highway in Oklahoma

The John Kilpatrick Turnpike partially signed Interstate 344 (I-344) as of November of 2024, is a controlled-access toll road in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The turnpike forms a partial beltway that runs from State Highway 152 (SH-152) and Interstate 240 (I-240) to an interchange with Interstate 35 (I-35) and Interstate 44 (I-44). At the eastern terminus, traffic continuing east merges with I-44 traffic, forming the Turner Turnpike. The Kilpatrick Turnpike is 31.0 miles (49.9 km) long.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Turner Turnpike</span> Toll road in Oklahoma, US

The Turner Turnpike is a controlled-access toll road in central Oklahoma, connecting its two largest cities, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Authorized by the Oklahoma Legislature in 1947 and opened in May 1953, it is the oldest of the state's twelve turnpikes. The route is signed as Interstate 44 for its entire length, but was constructed prior to its designation as such. The Turner Turnpike was named after Governor Roy J. Turner, who pushed for efforts to build this toll road to connect the state's two largest cities.

The Gilcrease Expressway is a 10.5-mile-long (16.9 km) highway in Tulsa County, Oklahoma, United States. It is part of the county's long-term plan to complete an outer highway loop around Tulsa's central business district. The highway will connect Interstate 44 (I-44) in West Tulsa to I-244 near the Tulsa International Airport.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Will Rogers Turnpike</span> Highway in Oklahoma

The Will Rogers Turnpike is a controlled-access toll road in the northeast portion of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. The highway begins as a continuation of the Creek Turnpike in Tulsa, continuing northward from the I-44/US-412 interchange there to the Missouri state line west of Joplin, Missouri. The turnpike carries the I-44 designation for its entire length. The turnpike is 88.5 miles (142.4 km) long and costs $4.75 to drive one way. The Will Rogers Turnpike opened to traffic on June 28, 1957. It was designated as I-44 in 1958. It is named for Will Rogers, "Oklahoma's Favorite Son".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cimarron Turnpike</span> Toll road in Oklahoma, US

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oklahoma State Highway 66</span> Highway in Oklahoma

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Interstate 240 (Oklahoma)</span> Highway in Oklahoma

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cherokee Turnpike</span> Highway in Oklahoma, U.S.

The Cherokee Turnpike is a controlled-access toll road in eastern Oklahoma. Opened in 1991, the route is a four-lane freeway carrying US-412 from east of Kansas, Oklahoma, to east of Chouteau, and has a total length of 32.8 miles (52.8 km) and a speed limit of 80 mph (130 km/h).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oklahoma State Highway 7</span> State highway in Oklahoma, United States

State Highway 7 is a 150.5-mile (242.2 km) highway in southern Oklahoma. This lengthy highway connects many towns in Oklahoma's "Little Dixie" area. It runs from Interstate 44 in Lawton to U.S. 69/US-75 in Atoka.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Muskogee Turnpike</span> Toll road in Oklahoma, US

The Muskogee Turnpike, also designated State Highway 351 (SH-351), is a controlled-access toll road in eastern Oklahoma.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">H. E. Bailey Turnpike</span> Toll highway in Oklahoma

The H. E. Bailey Turnpike is an 86.4-mile (139.0 km) controlled-access toll road in the southwestern region of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. The route, opened on April 23, 1964, is a four-lane freeway that connects Oklahoma City to Lawton in its northern section and Lawton to Wichita Falls, Texas along its southern section, roughly paralleling U.S. Route 277. The turnpike also includes an 8.2-mile (13.2 km) spur route that leads toward Norman, Oklahoma. Since 1982, it has been signed as a part of Interstate 44, and as such uses its mileposts. Travel along the full length of the toll road costs $5.50 for a two-axle vehicle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chickasaw Turnpike</span> Highway in Oklahoma

The Chickasaw Turnpike, also designated State Highway 301 (SH-301), is a controlled-access toll road in the rural south central region of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. A two-lane freeway, it stretches for 13.3 miles (21.4 km) from north of Sulphur to just south of Ada. The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) owns, maintains, and collects tolls on the turnpike. The first section of the Chickasaw Turnpike opened on September 1, 1991.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oklahoma State Highway 152</span> Highway in Oklahoma

State Highway 152 is a state highway running through west-central Oklahoma. It begins at the Texas state line, serving as a continuation of Texas State Highway 152, and continues east to end at Interstate 344/Interstate 240(I-344/I-240) in southwest Oklahoma City, a length of 145 miles (233 km). Along its route it serves three county seats: Sayre, Cordell, and Oklahoma City. Near the east end, it passes through in the Oklahoma City suburb of Mustang before being its terminus on the east side of that town.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Creek Turnpike</span> Highway in Oklahoma

The Creek Turnpike, also designated State Highway 364 (SH-364), is a 33.2-mile (53.4 km) controlled-access toll road that lies entirely in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. The turnpike forms a partial beltway around the south and east sides of Tulsa, Oklahoma's second largest city. The Creek Turnpike's western terminus is at the Turner Turnpike in Sapulpa, while its northeastern terminus is at the Will Rogers Turnpike in Fair Oaks; both ends of the Creek Turnpike connect with Interstate 44 (I-44). Along the way, the highway passes through the cities of Sapulpa, Jenks, Tulsa, and Broken Arrow, and the counties of Creek, Tulsa, Wagoner and Rogers. The road is maintained by the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA), except for a brief free section shared with U.S. Route 64 (US-64) and US-169, which is maintained by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Interstate 44 in Oklahoma</span> Highway in Oklahoma

Interstate 44 (I-44) is an Interstate Highway that runs diagonally through the U.S. state of Oklahoma, spanning from the Texas state line near Wichita Falls, Texas, to the Missouri border near Joplin, Missouri. It connects three of Oklahoma's largest cities: Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Lawton. Most of I-44 in Oklahoma is a toll road. In southwestern Oklahoma, I-44 is the H. E. Bailey Turnpike and follows a diagonally northwest–southeast direction. From Oklahoma City to Tulsa, I-44 follows the Turner Turnpike. As I-44 leaves Tulsa, it becomes the Will Rogers Turnpike to the Missouri border. In the Lawton, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa metropolitan areas, I-44 is toll-free. In Oklahoma City, I-44 is also known as the Will Rogers Expressway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">U.S. Route 62 in Oklahoma</span> Highway in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, U.S. Highway 62 (US 62) runs diagonally across the state, from the Texas state line in far southwestern Oklahoma to the Arkansas state line near Fayetteville. US-62 spends a total of 402.48 miles (647.73 km) in the Sooner State. The highway passes through fifteen of Oklahoma's counties. Along the way the route serves two of Oklahoma's largest cities, Lawton and Oklahoma City, as well as many regionally important cities, like Altus, Chickasha, Muskogee, and Tahlequah. Despite this, US-62 has no lettered spur routes like many other U.S. routes in Oklahoma do.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">U.S. Route 412 in Oklahoma</span> Future Interstate in Oklahoma and Arkansas

U.S. Route 412 is a U.S. highway in the south-central portion of the United States, connecting Springer, New Mexico to Columbia, Tennessee. A 504.11-mile (811.29 km) section of the highway crosses the state of Oklahoma, traversing the state from west to east. Entering the state southwest of Boise City, US-412 runs the length of the Oklahoma Panhandle and serves the northern portion of the state's main body, before leaving the state at West Siloam Springs. Along the way, the route serves many notable cities and towns, including Boise City, Guymon, Woodward, Enid, and the state's second-largest city, Tulsa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kickapoo Turnpike</span> Toll highway in Oklahoma

The Kickapoo Turnpike is a 19.6-mile (31.5 km) controlled-access toll road in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. The northern section from US 62 to I-44 opened to traffic on October 13, 2020. The southern segment from I-40 to US 62 opened to traffic on January 5, 2021. It's pending Interstate 335 (I-335) signage as of June 2024, although a connection with I-35 will not be made until the southern extension of the turnpike to Purcell is built.

References

  1. Hoberock, Barbara (November 11, 2022). "Gilcrease Expressway turnpike to open Monday" . Retrieved February 9, 2023.
  2. Pearson, Janet (November 17, 1990). "Toll Booths Going High-Tech". Tulsa World. Archived from the original on August 7, 2011. Retrieved June 14, 2007.
  3. "OTA: OKLAHOMA PIKEPASS NOW ACCEPTED IN MOST PARTS OF FLORIDA". News On 6(KOTV, Tulsa), March 10th 2023, 6:13 am. May 2, 2019. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  4. Morava, Kim. "Kickapoo Turnpike west of Shawnee goes to cashless tolling". The Shawnee News-Star. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  5. "H.E. Bailey Turnpike to go cashless starting June 21". www.kswo.com. June 14, 2022. Retrieved July 17, 2022.
  6. Griffin, David. "Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Says Move To 'Cashless' Toll Booths Will Take Time". www.newson6.com. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  7. Staff, Megan Butler, KTUL (June 23, 2021). "Oklahoma turnpikes begin conversion to cashless tolling". KTUL. Retrieved July 26, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. Miller, Brian (August 8, 2016). "Oklahoma Turnpikes collect record amount of toll money, state does not profit from toll revenue". KJRH Tulsa. Retrieved November 1, 2017.
  9. Murphy, Sean (April 24, 2017). "Tulsa Attorney Gary Richardson to Run for Governor in 2018". U.S. News & World Report . Retrieved November 1, 2017.
  10. "OTA History FAQs". Pikepass.com. Retrieved December 10, 2020.