Tollway Ups and Downs

Despite declining toll revenues, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is considering bond issues to expand three turnpikes, officials said.

Projections indicate that the Creek, Turner, and Kilpatrick turnpikes will need more capacity in the next 10 to 15 years, according to OTA deputy director Tim Stewart. To begin studying the projects, the authority is seeking letters of interest for aerial photography and survey work.

Amid high fuel prices that have reduced consumption and travel, toll revenue for September was down 2.4% to $15.8 million, compared with $16.4 million the same month a year ago.

Despite the overall decrease, traffic counts are up on the Kilpatrick Turnpike in Oklahoma City and the Creek Turnpike in Tulsa, officials said.

Stewart said officials are considering adding inside lanes to portions of the urban turnpikes.

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