The John Kilpatrick Turnpike (JKT) is Oklahoma’s most heavily traveled turnpike and a vital link within Oklahoma City’s regional transportation network. To increase capacity and support growing demand, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) advanced an eight‑mile widening program between MacArthur Boulevard and Eastern Avenue. STV served as the prime design consultant, preparing complete plans, specifications and estimates (PS&E) along with traffic, schematic and environmental services. The project widened the corridor from two to three lanes in each direction and included the design of 10 bridge widenings, the inspection and repair of 21 bridges, retaining walls and screen walls and a highly complex traffic control plan to maintain mobility during construction.
What challenges did STV address?
The corridor features multiple interchanges, constrained right‑of‑way conditions and heavy daily traffic volumes, requiring sophisticated phasing to maintain four lanes of traffic throughout construction. Unique structural challenges included reconfiguring the Lake Hefner Ramp over the JKT and reconstructing a BNSF Railroad overpass with a custom design to accommodate complex traffic movements below. Over 30 freight trains per day added further staging and safety considerations.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV developed innovative structural solutions, including a first‑in‑Oklahoma conversion that merged a two‑span and single‑span steel unit by rotating a median bent parallel to traffic. The team also designed and coordinated the full reconstruction of the BNSF overpass. All design work was delivered under a seven‑month fast‑track schedule – half the originally allotted time – and saved more than $8 million from the initial project budget.
How does this project benefit the community?
The improved corridor enhances safety, eases congestion and increases capacity for commuters and freight, directly supporting regional economic growth. The widened roadway strengthens connectivity across Oklahoma City and provides more reliable travel along one of the region’s most essential transportation assets.
Key stats and accolades
- Eight miles of roadway widening
- 10 bridge widenings
- Seven‑month accelerated design schedule
- Over $8 million in project savings
- ACEC Oklahoma Grand Conceptor Award and national ACEC Recognition Award
