The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) hosted an official groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction on the Gilcrease Expressway extension as part of the Driving Forward initiative on October 22.  Gov. Kevin Stitt, Secretary of Transportation Tim Gatz and other officials attended the event.

“This groundbreaking ceremony represents our effort and determination to make Oklahoma a top 10 state in all areas,” Gov. Stitt said. “As Oklahoma’s population grows, it will require a stronger and more interconnected infrastructure and the Gilcrease Expressway extension is a dynamic project that will help achieve those goals.”

The Gilcrease Expressway extension is one of six individual projects announced in October 2015. The five-mile bridge will connect L.L. Tisdale to Interstate 44 and complete the western loop around the Tulsa metro area.  The project will help relieve urban traffic congestion during peak periods and will provide a new and more direct route to city attractions and points of interest in the Tulsa urban core.

Project completion is scheduled for 2022 with a total cost of $330 million. The project is funded by the City of Tulsa, the State of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, INCOG, FHWA and OTA. Federal funds have also been invested in the extension.