Lawton, OK – Starting January 1, 2025, drivers traveling on Oklahoma’s turnpike system will face a 15% toll rate increase. This adjustment marks the twelfth toll hike since the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) was established in 1953.
Joe Echelle, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, explained that the toll increase is part of a broader plan to expand the state’s turnpike infrastructure through the Access Oklahoma initiative. The initiative includes major improvements to the Turner, H.E. Bailey, and Muskogee turnpikes, alongside the development of two new turnpikes: the Kickapoo and the John Kilpatrick southeast extension.
For drivers on the Turner Turnpike, which connects Oklahoma City to Tulsa, the new toll will increase by 90 cents, bringing the total to $5.40. Those traveling from Oklahoma City to the state line through Lawton on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike will now pay nearly $6. Additionally, a full-length drive on the Kilpatrick Turnpike will cost just over $3.
The price increase is applicable for both Pike Pass users and those using the plate pay system. However, the tolls for plate pay users are doubled compared to those with a Pike Pass.
The toll hike is part of an ongoing effort to improve and expand the state’s turnpike system. These upgrades are expected to address the growing transportation needs of Oklahoma, as well as improve overall traffic flow and safety. However, the increase in tolls has led to concerns among some drivers, especially for those seeking to avoid paying higher fees.
For those looking to bypass tolls, an alternative is to take non-toll roads. However, the trade-off is longer travel times. For example, the trip from Oklahoma City to Tulsa will now take approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes, up from the previous 1.5 hours on the toll road. Similarly, avoiding the toll roads on a trip to Lawton will add an extra 30 minutes to the drive time.
Looking ahead, toll rates may continue to rise. The OTA has indicated that, due to inflation, there could be an additional 6% toll hike within the next two years.
As the toll increase takes effect, drivers will need to adjust their travel plans and budgets accordingly. While the expansion of Oklahoma’s turnpike system aims to improve transportation infrastructure, the financial impact on commuters is already being felt.
