Ed note: Below is the news release (unedited) sent by the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.
OKLAHOMA TURNPIKE AUTHORITY HOSTING FEB. 18 PUBLIC MEETING ON EASTERN OKLAHOMA COUNTY TURNPIKE
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (Feb. 1, 2016) — The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) is hosting a public meeting to present information on plans to link I-40 and I-44 (Turner Turnpike) in Eastern Oklahoma County. This project will provide an enhanced transportation corridor to connect Eastern Oklahoma County to vital intersections in response to a need for increased road safety and a reduction in traffic congestion.
Between 2005 and 2015, there have been 6,649 collisions take place on I-35 between I-240 and the Ft. Smith Junction, resulting in 33 fatalities. During that same time period in the rural corridor between I-40 to I-44 and Luther Road to Henney Road, there have been 1,572 collisions resulting in 15 fatalities. These statistics from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s collision studies demonstrate a clear need for greater public safety.
At this meeting, engineers and planners will present information on the surveys being conducted in the area and will be available to answer questions and receive input from members of the public on the proposed study area.
OTA Eastern Oklahoma County Public Meeting
Thursday, February 18, 2016
6 to 8 p.m.
Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center
Seminar Center
4601 N. Choctaw Road
Choctaw
An overflow area with a live feed of the public meeting will be provided outside of the technology center’s seminar center should the meeting reach capacity. For questions concerning this meeting, please contact OTA Director of Communications and Facilities, Jack Damrill, at 405-425-3610 or jdamrill@pikepass.com.
Note: No alignment for the transportation corridor has been determined yet. This is the first in a series of public meetings to address concerns and answer questions about the need for increased public safety as it relates to the Eastern Oklahoma County turnpike. Additional public meetings will be announced following this meeting to present updates on this project. Please visit www.DrivingForwardOK.com for additional information.
About Oklahoma Turnpike Authority
Oklahoma Turnpike Authority was established in 1947 to construct, operate and maintain Oklahoma turnpikes. Today, Oklahoma turnpikes are the safest and quickest ways to travel across the state. Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is managing multiple renovations throughout the state to maintain and operate the turnpike system to the highest standard. To learn more about the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and recent projects, visit, www.pikepass.com.
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