OTA says plans still in the works for southern turnpike expansion in Norman, asking for community input
NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) — Norman residents are still demanding answers after the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority announced changes to the Cleveland County Turnpike.
The 15-year $8.2M plan was first announced in 2022, but stalled due to challenges, including a legal battle that went to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
The court ruled in favor of the Turnpike Authority and the resumption of the project is now underway.
Oklahomans for Responsible Transportation, also known as "Pike Off OTA," held a town hall meeting on Wednesday night for Norman residents.
Tassie Hirschfeld was one of the speakers and is a board member of Pike Off OTA.
"They've announced they're moving the route, but they won't tell people where. They always will say that it's still in process and they're still developing the final route," Hirschfeld said.
The portion still being decided is the southern part of the extension that was originally proposed right along Lake Thunderbird.
Terri Angier, the spokeswoman for the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, said the proposed route did not meet all requirements of the Bureau of Reclamation, which is common.
"This is absolutely the very early stages on this," Angier said.
Angier also said they worry about misinformation regarding the project.
"We don't know where the route will end up being. The earlier they can work with us, the better in terms of really minimizing the impact and that's what we're asking," she said.
Hirschfeld said residents are worried their homes may be on the chopping block.
"There's been no community input. They don't listen. They don't work with the city. They just act like a very autocratic government agency," Hirschfeld said.
OTA says they're aware of the concerns and they want to work with residents to see where the route should be placed.
Angier said they know residents will lose their homes, but ultimately want to work with homeowners.
If you have a concern, Angier asks that you don't wait until public meetings. Those dates are still in the works, but it's best to voice your concerns prior.