The speed limit has been extended to 80 mph on some stretches of Oklahoma’s turnpike system.

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority approved raising the speed limit on rural segments of selected turnpikes from 75 mph to 80 mph. That includes the Kickapoo Turnpike which is scheduled to open later this year. These segments total 104 miles and include:

• Turner Turnpike from mile marker (MM) 203 to MM 216, between Bristow and Sapulpa, 13 miles
• Muskogee Turnpike from MM 2 to MM 33, between Muskogee and Tulsa, 31 miles
• Cherokee Turnpike from MM 3 to MM 28, 25 miles
• Indian Nation Turnpike from MM 93 to MM 104, between SH-9 and I-40, 11 miles
• H.E. Bailey Turnpike (Norman Spur) from MM 102 to MM 107, 5 miles
• Kickapoo Turnpike (scheduled to open later this year) from MM 130 to MM 149, between I-40 and the Turner Turnpike, 19 miles

Existing speed limits on rural turnpikes like the Will Rogers Turnpike, main segment of the H.E. Bailey Turnpike, Cimarron Turnpike and Chickasaw Turnpike will not be changed.

With the approval, work can begin to manufacture and install the new 80 mph signs for each of these corridors. This process could take several month. Until the new signs are in place, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol says it will be enforcing the current posted speed limit. Drivers will need to pay attention or else they’ll risk a ticket.

“With any change, it is imperative for drivers to do their part for safety by following the posted speed limits and being alert to the surrounding traffic conditions,” Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation Tim Gatz said. “We will be closely monitoring these corridors and if the new speed limits are creating an unsafe situation, we will consider adjustments to ensure the safety of the traveling public.”

 Both OTA and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation studied potential locations to be candidates on each of their systems. The agencies considered several safety factors including roadway geometry, sight distance, collision history, traffic flows and existing speed patterns to determine eligible locations. Discussions with safety and law enforcement partners were also key to the decision-making process and will be ongoing.

Urban areas were not considered as part of this process, but the Creek Turnpike and John Kilpatrick Turnpike could be considered in the future based on how drivers handle the current changes.

The Oklahoma Transportation Commission will consider recommendations for maximum speed limit increases on segments of rural interstates maintained by ODOT.