Creek Turnpike

The Creek Turnpike: A Vital Lifeline for Tulsa

Imagine a road that not only connects major cities but also serves as a lifeline for the bustling metropolis of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Creek Turnpike, stretching 33.2 miles and forming a partial beltway around south and east sides of Tulsa, is more than just a highway—it’s a testament to engineering prowess and community resilience.

Construction and Challenges

The construction of the Creek Turnpike began in 1989 with an ambitious goal: to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance mobility. However, like many large-scale projects, it faced numerous challenges. The estimated cost was a staggering $26 million for the initial phase, but this figure quickly ballooned to over $85 million by 1990. These costs were just the beginning of a long and arduous journey.

The project required condemnation suits for homes within its proposed right-of-way, leading to significant opposition from residents who feared the impact on their communities. The Tulsans Against Turnpikes group emerged as a formidable force, organizing boycotts and even resorting to vandalism in an attempt to halt construction.

Environmental Concerns and Permits

The environmental impact of the Creek Turnpike was another major hurdle. The project faced numerous legal challenges, including lawsuits filed by residents and environmental groups like Greenpeace. These groups argued that the turnpike would lead to hazardous waste dumping and potential shipping of AIDS-contaminated freight through the area.

Despite these concerns, federal agencies like the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) raised significant objections. Wetland mitigation plans were criticized, and there were fears about the impact on endangered species such as least terns. The project required extensive documentation and permits, with delays often cited as a major issue.

Opening and Expansion

The first section of the Creek Turnpike opened on March 13, 1992, with tolls waived until the next day. However, the road saw significantly more traffic than expected, with an average of 9,000 vehicles per day in August 1992. This early success paved the way for further expansion and improvements.

By 2000, the Creek Turnpike had been fully completed, connecting I-44 in Sapulpa to I-44 in Fair Oaks. The highway now serves as a vital link between major cities like Tulsa, Jenks, Sapulpa, Broken Arrow, and Muskogee. In 1993, an extension was proposed but ultimately scaled down due to financial constraints.

Modernization and Automation

In the early 2000s, the Creek Turnpike underwent a significant transformation with the introduction of all-electronic tolling in February 2023. This modern system uses PikePass for two-axle vehicles at $3 and PlatePay for six-axle vehicles at $20.05. The turnpike now boasts three mainline toll plazas, making travel more efficient and convenient.

The speed limit was reduced to 55 miles per hour during the construction project but has since been adjusted to reflect current traffic patterns. The Oklahoma Transportation Commission designated the Creek Turnpike as SH-364 in March 2014, further cementing its importance in the region’s transportation network.

Conclusion

The Creek Turnpike stands as a remarkable achievement, connecting communities and enhancing mobility for thousands of residents. From its inception to its modernization, this highway has faced numerous challenges but continues to serve as a vital artery for Tulsa and beyond. As we look towards the future, the Creek Turnpike will undoubtedly continue to evolve, adapting to meet the needs of a growing region.