TULSA, Okla. — A groundbreaking ceremony is taking place Tuesday morning to kick off construction of the Gilcrease Expressway extension.
The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA), along with other city, county and state agencies, are behind the project that'll expand the existing expressway to four lanes. It'll connect to Interstate 44 and end just north of Highway 412.
Officials say the project has been in the works since 1961 and is a long time coming for residents living on the west side of the Arkansas River.
"There really is no western access across the river for people in this part of Tulsa. This will provide a much needed corridor across that river for all these businesses out here and people who live out here," said Jack Damrill, the director of communications for OTA.
The public-private partnership will cost more than $260 million and is expected to be completed by mid-2022.
The ceremony will be held at 11:15 a.m. at the corner of West 21st Street and 57th West Avenue.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, City of Tulsa, INCOG and other agencies and local leaders will be attending.
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