Turnpike Authority Moves Eminent Domain Forward
- mike33692
- 4 days ago
- 1 min read
OTA Advances Turnpike Project Condemnations
Members of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority unanimously approved designating nine land parcels for condemnation along the Turner and Will Rogers Turnpike corridors. However, the board insists the action represents only a procedural step under the ACCESS Oklahoma program.
OTA Director of Right of Way Acquisition Todd Gore explained the motion clears the way for continued negotiations while maintaining project timelines.
The condemnation designation allows staff to file eminent-domain proceedings only if voluntary agreements fail. Additionally, officials say they prefer negotiated settlements wherever possible.
Public Pushback Emerges After Vote
At the end of the meeting, an audience member voiced strong displeasure as the board moved to authorize potential land takes. However, authority members reminded the crowd that property owners retain full legal rights and compensation under state law.
ACCESS Oklahoma remains the state’s multibillion-dollar transportation initiative to expand and modernize existing Turnpike routes. Additionally, the program includes widening projects and interchange improvements along the Turner and Will Rogers routes.
Transportation leaders say eminent domain remains a last resort — but a necessary tool to keep long-term corridor projects on schedule. Therefore, the vote today moves ACCESS Oklahoma closer to its next phase of construction.
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