During the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s annual State of the Region event, the critical role of transportation infrastructure in supporting Oklahoma City’s growth was a focal point of discussion. Tim Gatz, executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), outlined the department’s strategic approach to enhancing infrastructure to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding population and drive economic development. Gatz began by emphasizing the need for Oklahoma City to avoid the congestion challenges faced by larger metropolitan areas. He noted, “In Houston, it can take an hour and a half to travel across the metropolitan area. We cannot have Oklahoma City being an hour and a half away from Oklahoma City. We don’t want that.” To mitigate this risk, Gatz highlighted several significant projects aimed at improving key interchanges and highway capacities across the region. Key projects include major work on interchanges, such as the Broadway Extension at I-44 and I-235. Gatz acknowledged that these interchanges, once effective in rural settings, now require upgrades to accommodate urban growth. Additionally, improvements are planned for the West Mathis Brothers Interchange and the STATE OF THE REGION – TRANSPORTATION AND OKLAHOMA CITY’S GROWTH
Douglas Interchange at I-40, near Tinker Air Force Base, which is crucial for supporting the base’s mission and future opportunities. Gatz underlined the need for continuous investment in infrastructure, stating, “Traffic volumes are growing at a rate that, if we don’t make these improvements, we’ll face similar problems as those in Houston and Dallas- Fort Worth.” He urged the consideration of the broader regional impact, particularly regarding the I-35 corridor, which links Oklahoma City to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. “We want that 35-corridor going south to be as strong as it can be because we’re feeling that gravitational pull between Oklahoma City and the Dallas Fort Worth area,” he said. Conversely, Gatz also addressed the challenges along the I-44 corridor, which connects Oklahoma City to Tulsa. “We want Oklahoma City and Tulsa to be 20 minutes closer, add capacity and make a safer highway facility,” Gatz stated. Gatz also highlighted how the Turnpike Authority can leverage user fees to develop relief routes, providing alternatives for traffic that is not headed for the metropolitan area; he additionally addressed that the turnpike authority is in a unique position to leverage their model to help manage traffic conditions, providing additional capacity. Jeff Seymour, executive vice president for Economic Development at the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, echoed Gatz’s emphasis on strategic planning for growth. He highlighted recent advancements in Oklahoma’s mobility strategy, including plans for unmanned aerial systems and the integration of autonomous vehicles into the transportation framework. He emphasized the need for forward-thinking initiatives that will support the region’s growth well into the future, saying, “We’ve got to continue that mindset to think about 2045, not just now.” While the critical importance of infrastructure improvements and transportation planning in supporting Oklahoma City’s growth was a central focus, it was just one of many topics explored. State of the Region highlighted numerous vital issues, including the urgent need for improvements in education and workforce development in our region. Attending these events offers valuable insight into the comprehensive strategies that are essential for fostering a prosperous future for our region.
Many thanks to Presenting Sponsor Simmons Bank and Host Sponsor Post Oak Toyota for their support of this year’s State of the Region event.
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