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about the authority
What is the OTA?
The OTA is an instrumentality of the State created by the state
legislature, by statute in 1947 for the purpose of constructing,
operating and maintaining the Turner Turnpike. In 1954, the original
purpose was statutorily redefined to allow construction of additional
turnpikes, and changes were made in the Authority’s membership to
include a representative from each of Oklahoma’s congressional
districts. The OTA’s governing body (the Authority) consists of the
Governor (ex-officio) and six members, appointed by the Governor and
approved by the State Senate, serving an eight-year uncompensated term.
Why do we need turnpikes in Oklahoma?
Turnpikes provide a way to finance, build and use roads now and pay
for them as we use them. The construction of turnpikes provides
infrastructure and economic development that might not be possible
otherwise. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) at the time
did not have the available funds to construct and maintain such roads.
In the past fifty years, ODOT has constructed only 162 miles of partial
control, limited access interstate type roads, excluding the federally
funded interstate system. In that same time, the OTA has been able to
construct 606 miles of rural and urban high performance, limited access
highways with greater safety and convenience for the Oklahoma road user.
If tolls were removed from current roads, an additional $93 million
annually would be needed for ODOT to complete the routine maintenance
and capital rehabilitation currently performed on the Turnpike System.
In addition, the state would have to fund $13 million annually for the
Oklahoma Highway Patrol currently patrolling the turnpikes.
Does the OTA receive any federal or state funds to operate and maintain
the turnpike system?
The OTA receives no tax money to operate its turnpikes. Revenues from
tolls, investments, and concession leases pay all operating and
maintenance costs for the turnpikes and pay off the bonds issued to
finance their construction. State-maintained roads receive motor fuel
tax money generated by the turnpikes. Since 1992, the Authority has
received, and immediately remitted to the Oklahoma Department of
Transportation just over $365 million.
When was the first turnpike built?
The Turner Turnpike was authorized in 1947 and opened to traffic in
1953.
How many turnpikes are on the turnpike system?
There are 10 turnpikes in Oklahoma covering 606 miles.
- Turner Turnpike, 86.0 miles in length, connecting Oklahoma City
with Tulsa.
- Will Rogers Turnpike, 88.5 miles in length, extends from Tulsa
to the Oklahoma-Missouri state line.
- H.E. Bailey Turnpike, 86.4 miles in length on main route,
extending from Oklahoma City just north of the Texas state line, and
8.2 miles on a spur connecting the main route to S.H.9.
- Indian Nation Turnpike, 105.2 miles in length, connects
Henryetta at I-40 to U.S. 70 near Hugo.
- Muskogee Turnpike, 53.1 miles in length, connecting Webbers
Falls at I-40 with Tulsa.
- Cimarron Turnpike, 59 miles in length on main route, extending
from I-35/ U.S. 64 east of Enid to Tulsa, and 8.5 miles on a spur
connecting the main route with Stillwater and Oklahoma State
University.
- John Kilpatrick Turnpike, 25.3 miles in length, extending from
the Oklahoma City interchange of the Turner Turnpike and I-35 to
I-40 between Mustang and Sara Road.
- Cherokee Turnpike, 32.8 miles in length, extends eastward from
U.S. 412 at Locust Grove to U.S. 412 west of West Siloam Springs.
- Creek Turnpike, 33.2 miles in length, connecting the Turner
Turnpike to the Will Rogers Turnpike.
- Chickasaw Turnpike, 17.1 miles in length, extends southward from
S.H. 3 near Ada to S.H. 7 immediately west of Sulphur.
Why is the Turner Turnpike not free?
The people of Oklahoma voted in 1954 to “cross-pledge” the turnpike
system. By this action they voted to commit the tolls collected on all
turnpikes to pay the debt service, maintenance and expansion for the
turnpike system, not each individual road.
Where does the money go?
Uses of Funds for 2005
| Debt Service |
$ 89,040,000 |
| Capital Plan |
$ 78,956,000 |
| Maintenance & Operating |
$ 59,058,000 |
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$227,054,000 |
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When will the turnpikes be paid off?
The bond debt is currently $1.2 billion and is scheduled for paid-off
in 2028, assuming no additional debt is incurred.
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