Oklahoma highway funding solution being sought

Funding for the final 8km section of a highway project in the US state of Oklahoma has yet to be finalised. Around US$135 million has been secured but a further $165 million will have to be secured by the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority for this section of the route. The Gilcrease Expressway will be tolled and the rates are now being set, with higher charges for commercial vehicles.

The project will be complex due to the uneven terrain and tricky geology. In all 22 bridges will have to be constructed. This $300 million project will provide an improved connection between Interstate 44 in Tulsa and the US412 Sand Springs Expressway, also crossing the Arkansas River. The work will take around 30 months to complete, with construction expected to commence in late 2018.