Residents Gather At The Capitol To Protest Against New Turnpike

A few dozen northeastern Oklahoma County residents gathered in front of the state Capitol Wednesday to protest plans for a new turnpike, but there weren’t many legislators around to hear their concerns.

“We’ve heard various justifications as to why they gotta do this and why they gotta move it over here. Why they gotta move it there," neighbor Steven McGuire shouted to the crowd. “They’re lying.”

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is planning to add 21 miles of toll road, linking Interstate 40 to Interstate 44 in the areas of Jones, Luther and Choctaw. 

Neighbors voiced their concerns about a number of issues.

“Noise. Air pollution. If we wanted to live in Edmond, we’d live in Edmond,” said resident Susan Johnson. “It’s quiet. I can step out on my front porch and not hear anything. And that’s why I moved there.”

By the time the rally ended, most legislators were gone for the day.  Protesters said they know this is a David and Goliath battle.  

"Well, we don’t have any chance if we don’t try.” Johnson said. 

News 9 reached out to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. The agency refused to comment.