Eastern Oklahoma County residents speak out against turnpike

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Opponents of a proposed turnpike in eastern Oklahoma County gathered at the state Capitol to protest the planned toll road.

A crowd of more than 100 attended Wednesday's rally while final plans for the roadway connecting Interstate 40 and Turner Turnpike and running through the city of Harrah are nearing completion.

Speakers who oppose the plan included former Oklahoma gubernatorial candidate Gary Richardson of Tulsa who has frequently criticized the turnpike system. Residents from the area attended, many carrying signs opposing the plan.

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority plans to present a final proposed route for the turnpike in April. The OTA would fund the project through the sale of bonds that would be paid back almost entirely using toll revenues.

An OTA spokesman declined to comment on the rally.

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The Gayly - 3/16/2016 @ 4:42 p.m. CST