After a legal ruling favored resident groups who charged the OTA with illegal practices and a lack of transparency, the authority ordered all work on a major turnpike expansion stopped.
In a victory for the state’s freeway fighters, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) has halted work on a major turnpike expansion known as ACCESS Oklahoma, reports Asia Mieleszko in Strong Towns.
The authority was sued by residents who charged OTA with a lack of transparency in January. Plaintiffs claimed they were given inadequate notice about OTA's plans, even finding out about the potential displacement of their homes or businesses from newspaper reports.
A judge agreed, ruling that the OTA ‘wilfully violated’ the state’s Open Meetings Act. “On March 15, 2023, Oklahoma’s attorney general stepped in and seemingly sided with the plaintiffs, requesting an audit of the OTA.”
While OTA plans to continue the work in the future, “At the very least, the devastation of hundreds of homes, businesses, and natural areas necessary for the project’s scope is being put on hold,” Mieleszko writes.
FULL STORY: Breaking News: Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Stops Work on $15 Billion Turnpike Expansion
California Commission Approves Freeway Expansion
The state Transportation Commission ultimately voted to move a controversial Inland Empire interstate project forward.
Wielding Data to Fight Freeway Expansions in Toledo
A group of resident advocates is challenging the Ohio Department of Transportation’s arguments in favor of a proposed interstate widening.
Report: Bike Lanes Can't Make up for New Roads
If California wants to meet its climate goals, the state must stop funding its myriad road construction and expansion projects.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)