Work will stop to expand the state’s turnpike system on April 14.
That’s the word on Tuesday from the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) concerning its ACCESS Oklahoma plan.
Because of the lawsuits filed against the OTA due to the ACCESS Oklahoma plan, as well as a state investigative audit requested by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, the agency cannot access the bond market to continue financing the projects. The agency also contends that it is in a strong financial position, despite this.
“I have mentioned several times, including during the recent board meeting, that our continued ACCESS Oklahoma project work would be impacted or even stopped due to our inability to enter the bond market,” Secretary of Transportation and OTA Executive Director Tim Gatz told the OTA board in the memo.
Drummond believes the investigative audit is coming at the right time.
“I am aware of the Turnpike Authority’s announcement to stop all work on toll road construction and improvements. This is a concerning development that causes me to question the leadership and cash flow management of this critical agency. While it is unclear what the future holds for OTA, I am certain that the investigative audit I have ordered is needed now more than ever,” said Drummond.
One of OTA’s biggest supporters is the Association of Oklahoma General Contractors.
“The Association of Oklahoma General Contractors is disappointed to hear that the 15-year ACCESS Oklahoma program has been halted due to pending legal cases. While we understand that the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) has made a prudent decision, we cannot ignore the fact that the traveling public will be impacted by this halt. The increase in preventable accidents and lives lost due to dangerous and congested roads is a real concern for all of us. As a community, we must stay committed to improving the safety of all Oklahomans. We hope that the legal cases will be resolved quickly, and the OTA can resume work on the ACCESS Oklahoma program as soon as possible. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to stay vigilant on the roads and prioritize safety at all times,” said Bobby Stem, who is the Association of Oklahoma General Contractors’ executive director.
All other OTA operations are expected to continue as normal. That includes the conversion of the turnpikes from toll booths to plate pay.
Gatz feels the work stoppage is necessary due to the issues OTA faces.
“Despite the tremendous transportation needs across the state, I feel it is prudent to take this difficult step,” Gatz said. “This is an unfortunate decision that the OTA does not take lightly due to the critical nature of the ACCESS Oklahoma plan and the effect it will have on all our consultants and their employees as well as many Oklahoma communities and businesses that rely on these necessary transportation improvements. While these delays slow progress for the state, it doesn’t eliminate the need for these critical transportation enhancements that will improve safety and the quality of life for all Oklahomans.”
Don’t count ACCESS Oklahoma as dead yet.
“Once these roadblocks are resolved and a path to the bond market is cleared, I am confident we will resume ACCESS Oklahoma and begin moving forward on behalf of the people of Oklahoma,” Gatz said.
