OTA works with Stroud during big turnpike widening project

STROUD, Okla. (KFOR) — The City of Stroud and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority came together to help residents in the midst of a project that originally could’ve caused several miles in detours for people there.

"They're really excited about that. We're really excited to partner with the city of Stroud on that, a community that is really served by the Turner Turnpike, Route 66 and State Highway 99,” said OTA Executive Director Joe Echelle.

The first phase of the major widening project on the Turner Turnpike could’ve caused major issues for people in town. Echelle said due to potential community impacts in the area, they had to replace a bridge there in its place which would start with demolishing what is a connector to the north and south side of the turnpike for area residents.

"Which would cause a pretty significant detour for the community,” Echelle said.

The city had an idea though. As the OTA was buying right of way to widen the turnpike as part of their project, they asked if the OTA would buy some right of way for them to build a service road there. The OTA agreed.

"The city came to the table with nearly $2 million in additional funds to build that service road,” Echelle said.

From there, the service road was built and the demolition was done. Now, the community has access throughout that project and Stroud can use and maintain that road in the future. Now, the next phase comes in a near $39 million improvement with widening that section of turnpike to three lanes each way through Stroud.

"It'll realign the westbound lanes, so that'll be a right hand exit to get to the service plaza,” Echelle said.

The agenda for Monday’s special meeting can be found here for further context and information.