In its attempt to alleviate the heavy volume of traffic between Purcell and South Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is in the planning stages of constructing the new Access Oklahoma South Extension.

With that in mind, the OTA held a public meeting May 21 at the Purcell Multi-Purpose Building to provide residents and business owners with information directly from the source and to have a way of stay in touch with the OTA as this progresses.

Followed by opening remarks from the OTA and the project Manager about the time-line for the project, a one-on-one forum last week enabled property owners to speak directly to OTA personnel with questions they have about the project.

“The meeting was a model for how one should go with attendees being well informed of the details that are available and have an exchange of information amongst the engineers and the public for the best results,” said Terri Angier, an OTA spokesperson for the South Extension project.

Mayor Graham Fishburn and the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director Elisabeth Baker also aided in organizing the meeting.

“We appreciate OTA and Access Oklahoma for allowing Purcell Citizens a chance to provide public comment for the proposed south extension,” Mayor Fishburn said.

“New transportation infrastructure can, and I believe will, benefit Purcell businesses and residents.

“We understand that the comments proposed will be considered by OTA for the best possible route that maximizes safety and protects property rights as much as possible,” Fishburn continued.

“We also understand that whenever the final route is decided that the property owners affected will be treated fairly and justly,” he concluded.

“We estimated about 150 people rotated through,” Angier said. “They made comments that were very positive and the questions and the comments received about what modifications for us to consider, are exactly what helps us navigate the route better. We had many draw lines on the maps or leave post-it-notes with information on the maps that can really help us as we compile the information and look at designs for that piece.

“We also met some of the residents who may be impacted and understand their concerns but we spent very productive time together with them trying to explore all the issues and see what can be possible to minimize impact to them.

“There were actually people from Norman there in the same boat, who were misinformed and while concerned about possibly being impacted, were relieved to understand the process better and left informed and more clear about their rights.

“Again, we are very grateful for The Register, the chamber and the town for their level of dignity, professionalism and smarts to want to be involved and part of the decision making process.,” Angier said.

The 19 mile extension is projected to cost just over $1 billion.

Tommy Evans of Poe and Associates, who is the Corridor Manager said, “The extension south to I-35 near Purcell expands the mobility of the southeast Oklahoma City metro by providing greater access to local communities.

“This will be a vital corridor for the transportation network of central Oklahoma by providing an alternate route to I-35 for traffic between southern, eastern and northeastern Oklahoma as well as providing an additional Canadian River Crossing,” Evans said.

“Thank you so much for all the help from the city, chamber and the newspaper regarding the public involvement for the South Extension in Purcell.

“I hope and think the city realizes what a great asset The Purcell Register is to the community,” Angier concluded.