Norman residents voice concerns about OTA to Oklahoma Co. Commissioners

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahoma County Commissioners planned to support the Access Oklahoma Plan, to expand turnpikes across the state, although commissioners were only focused on areas impacted in their counties. Norman residents showed up to the meeting to voice their concerns.

"Think about how the Turnpike Authority historically has not been transparent with the people and they have not been transparent with the cities and counties and municipalities," said Kelly Wilson.

On Tuesday, Oklahoma County Commissioners planned to pass a resolution supporting the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's plans for Oklahoma County.

"This is literally just saying, 'Yes, this is great,'" said Myles Davidson, the Oklahoma County Commissioner for District 3.

Commissioner Davidson said it involves expanding the Turner Turnpike to three lanes in the area, a project already underway.

"Then it will put in an additional couple of exits, one on the county line on the western side to increase access over there," said Davidson. "Then it will have one or two in the Arcadia area."

Showing up to the meeting were Norman residents, who have been impacted by the proposed Turnpike Expansions that run through Cleveland County. One expansion connects Newcastle to Norman, while another connects the Kickapoo Turnpike to Purcell.

"My living room will be the median of the turnpike on the southern extension," said Randy Carter, who opposes the expansion.

"I felt like I needed to let the commissioners know what I've learned over the past two years, which is you should not trust them," said OU Professor Tassie Hirschfeld.

During public comment, the opposition cited lawsuits and investigations, specifically the state Attorney General calling for an audit into the OTA.

"I think it would be a mistake to sign on with this group until that has been finalized and everybody is aware of what those investigations will unfold," Carter told Commissioners.

"I wasn't supporting the Cleveland County part of the turnpike I would never cross over into someone else's county," said Commissioner Davidson. "I know that they've had a lot down there. They've had a lot of opposition and they've slowed it, and the turnpike down."

Ultimately, Davidson struck the motion to support, only because he wants to add Texas Turnarounds to the Access Oklahoma Plan in Oklahoma County, specifically along the Kilpatrick Turnpike, near Paycom, in far northwest OKC.

"It's very, very packed with traffic," said Davidson.