The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is warning drivers that lane closures and slowdowns are coming as workers begin a project to widen the Turner Turnpike.
Crews Will Widen Turnpike, Add Safety Features
Road crews have already started construction on the project that will widen the Turner Turnpike from 4 to 6 lanes. One lane will be added to both the eastbound and westbound lanes. That work is expected to intensify in August and is projected to continue through the spring of 2020.
The Oklahoma Turnpike Commission says that the widening project will pave the way for “truck-specific” lanes in the future.
In addition to widening the lanes, crews will also be adding safety features like lights. The Oklahoma Turnpike Commission notes that “in the last five years there have been 15 fatalities and 514 wrecks on this section of road.”
Construction will impact the 20 mile stretch of I-44 from Bristow to the Creek Turnpike West (State Highway 364) section of the Turner Turnpike.
Oklahoma Troopers Will Be Watching 24 Hours Per Day
The project is expected to cause slowdowns and disrupt the safe flow of traffic, so the Oklahoma State Patrol will be surveilling the area 24 hours per day. Additionally, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority will be deploying wreckers to assist with stalled or disabled vehicles in a timely fashion.