3 Proposed Turnpike Routes Approved By ODOT

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation's commission approved three new turnpike routes late Monday morning.

Related: New Routes For Turnpikes Could Be Up For Final Vote Monday

The first approved route is called the Tri-City Connector. The route will connect the Kilpatrick Turnpike terminus at Airport Road (near Will Rogers World Airport) to Interstate 44, north of the South Canadian River.

The project will include interchanges at I-44 and Airport Road, according to the commission's agenda.

The second approved route is called the East-West Connector. The route will link I-44 (near the Blanchard, Newcastle and Tuttle areas) at State Highway 37 east through I-35 which will continue east along Indian Hills Road. The route will then connect with I-40 and go north on the Kickapoo Turnpike.

The third route, also known as the South Extension Turnpike, connects the East-West Connector to I-35 near Purcell.

Related: Norman Residents Strongly Oppose Turnpike Expansion Plan In Tense Town Hall Meeting

The approved routes are highlighted in Item No. 99 in the PDF below.

No word yet on when construction on these routes will begin.