Transportation Policy Priorities for Oklahoma’s Future

The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber is advancing a comprehensive transportation legislative agenda aimed at improving mobility, strengthening infrastructure and supporting long-term economic growth across central Oklahoma and the state.

As population growth and freight movement continue to increase, the Chamber’s agenda prioritizes strategic investment in highways, transit, rail, aviation and emerging transportation technologies to ensure Oklahoma City remains competitive, connected and safe.

Interstate and corridor priorities

The Chamber supports full funding and timely completion of major interstate projects critical to economic development, freight movement and regional mobility. Priority corridors include the urban interstate system — Interstates 35, 40, 44 and 235 — with emphasis on key interchanges such as I-240 and I-35 (Crossroads Interchange), I-35 and I-40 (Dallas Junction) and the I-44 and I-40 “K Interchange” near the State Fairgrounds.

Additional priorities include expanding capacity along I-35 from the Red River north to the Oklahoma River, advancing improvements along I-44 from I-40 to State Highway 62, and supporting infrastructure investments tied to mission growth at Tinker Air Force Base, including expanded access at Douglas Boulevard and expansion of I-40 to six lanes between Douglas Boulevard and Shawnee.

Regional transportation and turnpike expansion

The Chamber supports the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority’s regional transportation focus to preserve existing assets while creating additional capacity to meet future demand.

The agenda includes support for the ACCESS Oklahoma Plan, the state’s long-range strategy to modernize and expand the turnpike system to improve safety, travel reliability and economic development. Key priorities include widening the Turner Turnpike to six lanes between Oklahoma City and Tulsa, improving the John Kilpatrick Turnpike between I-40 and I-35, and advancing new high-speed expressway connections through the Outer Loop East-West Connector, South Extension and Tri-City Connector.

Transportation funding and sustainability

Recognizing inflationary pressures and declining fuel tax revenues, the Chamber supports protecting and strengthening dedicated transportation funding sources. This includes continued investment in ODOT’s Eight-Year Construction Work Plan, expanding the Rebuilding Oklahoma Access and Driver Safety (ROADS) Fund, and opposing any diversion of transportation revenues to non-transportation purposes.

The Chamber also supports research and development of sustainable, growth-based funding alternatives to ensure Oklahoma can maintain and modernize its transportation system.

Transit, rail and multimodal connectivity

The Chamber supports protecting state revenues allocated to the Public Transit Revolving Fund and continued implementation of ODOT’s Statewide Transit Policy Plan through the Office of Mobility and Public Transit.

The agenda also supports long-term funding stability for Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer, which connects Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, Texas, and continued efforts to pursue federal funding opportunities that would connect Oklahoma City to the national passenger rail network through Kansas.

Bridges, safety and emerging technology

The Chamber supports continued investment in Oklahoma’s nationally recognized bridge improvement program, including construction of new bridges on I-35 across the Oklahoma River to enhance connectivity, tourism and economic development.

The agenda also emphasizes safety and innovation through support for automated work zone safety technologies, autonomous vehicle deployment, freight rail efficiency, truck platooning and modernization of ports of entry.

Federal advocacy and regulatory balance

At the federal level, the Chamber supports full funding for surface transportation reauthorization, continuation of formula-based funding to states and a permanent funding solution for the Highway Trust Fund.

The Chamber also supports federal capital improvement grants pursued by local and state partners while opposing disproportionate infrastructure taxes, excessive freight rail regulations and overly expansive interpretations of federal environmental regulations that could negatively impact economic development.

Click here to view the Chamber’s full legislative agenda.