ODOT

Frequently Asked Questions

DID YOU KNOW...

1. What is the Oklahoma Department of Transportation
“Long Range Plan”?

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s Long Range Plan (formally known as the 2010 – 2035 Statewide Intermodal Transportation Plan) is a policy guide to develop the state’s transportation system so that it provides better mobility in and around Oklahoma communities for the next 25 years. Through collaborative work with transportation and transit providers in the area as well as comprehensive stakeholder outreach and public involvement over an 18 month period, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation will evaluate the current and future travel needs, and make recommendations will guide future improvements to the state’s transportation system. These recommendations will focus on:

  • enhancing the integration and connectivity of the transportation system;
  • increasing accessibility and mobility for people and freight;
  • protecting and enhancing the environment and improving quality of life;
  • increasing the safety and security of the transportation system for all users;
  • preserving the existing transportation infrastructure; and
  • supporting the economic vitality of the United States, State and metropolitan areas.

2. Why do we need a Long Range Plan?

The Long Range Plan establishes the general policy direction of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Federal regulations require each State to develop a statewide intermodal transportation plan with a minimum 20-year time horizon at the time of adoption. The Long Range Plan addresses all means of person travel as well as goods movement and addresses roads, bridges, transit, rail facilities, airport access, ports, pedestrians and cyclists. Since it is updated on a regular basis, it reflects the current status of transportation in the state - so that future strategies and financing options can be identified, reflect the desires of the public, and promote better mobility in and through the State. The Long Range Plan does the following:

  • identifies the state’s transportation priorities, strengths and challenges;
  • provides an anchor for the development of a financial strategy;
  • articulates collaboration with partnering agencies;
  • provides a blueprint for future development;
  • creates a clear sense of purpose; and
  • provides the basis for ongoing evaluation.

3. Who is involved in updating the Long Range Plan?

Updates to the Long Range Plan involve the participation of a diverse number of transportation users and providers including public and private transit, rail, port and airport service providers, health and human service agencies, transportation directors from public schools, freight providers and customers such as livestock producers, commercial vehicle operators, and railway operators; military organizations, representatives from economic development organizations, Native American tribal representatives, ODOT agency representatives, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), councils of governments, area businesses and the general public.

4. What factors are evaluated when updating the Plan?

ODOT considers numerous factors when updating the Long Range Plan. The Plan is a policy document that helps guide transportation development for the next 25 years. Policies, investments, and strategies are included in the plan, after consideration of factors including, but not limited to:

  • Maintenance and preservation of the existing system
  • Economic Vitality
  • Safety of the transportation system
  • Security of the transportation system
  • Access and Mobility for people and goods
  • Protection of the environment and promotion of energy conservation
  • Integration and connectivity across and between modes
  • Efficient and affordable system management and operation

5. How will ODOT work with other transportation/transit providers to enhance the current transportation system?

As part of the Long Range Plan, ODOT has created Advisory Committees to provide insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the transportation system. The Advisory Committees will participate in a series of meetings as well as a round of interviews to offer input into the needs identification and future system visioning process. The Long Range Plan is a collaborative process with an effort to include all transportation users and providers.

6. Why should I participate?

By participating in the update of the Long Range Plan, you are given the opportunity to provide your thoughts, concerns and recommendations to decision makers. This will guide them on how to prioritize projects and have a greater understanding of public needs and expectations.

7. How can I stay informed about the Plan?

There are many different ways to get information about the Plan.

8. How can I be sure my comments are heard?

Comments can be submitted at any time during the study via this website or either in person, by phone, US mail, email, delivery or fax to:

Oklahoma Department of Transportation Planning & Research Division
200 N.E. 21st Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-2704
(405) 521-6917 fax
2035LRP@odot.org

9. How can I get involved?

The Plan needs continuous public involvement to accurately represent the recommendations of the public. Comments can be submitted via this website. ODOT public meetings will also give you an opportunity to provide comments and participate in the planning process. Written comments are also accepted via personal delivery, delivery service, US mail or by fax. We strongly encourage you to subscribe to receive information on the ODOT Long Range Plan via E-Newsletters and E-Alerts which will provide information on on-line surveys and public meetings.

High Speed Rail

10. Tulsa to OKC to Dallas is part of the South Central High Speed Rail Corridor that is in the US DOT High Speed Rail for America Vision package. What are we doing to move ahead with the concept of High Speed Rail in Oklahoma?

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation applied for approximately $2 billion in passenger rail funds through the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail grant program. The FRA program is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). However, ODOT was not one of the states selected to receive some of the $8 billion in rail funds announced Jan. 28, 2010. There was stiff competition as 37 states submitted projects totaling more than $55 billion. More information on the federal announcement is at www.dot.gov.

It is important to note that the State of Oklahoma and ODOT have been preparing for high speed rail since 2001 when feasibility studies and preliminary engineering plans were completed to implement high speed rail service between Oklahoma City and Tulsa. In 2009, Oklahoma was proud to be celebrate its 10th anniversary of the return of passenger rail service to the state via the Heartland Flyer which resumed service between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth in 1999. While disappointing, the information ODOT gathered during the process will be helpful in coming years. In addition, the grants that were awarded to neighboring states Kansas and Texas will lead to improvements to the Heartland Flyer through upgrading of the route and to study and expansion to Kansas City, Missouri.

ODOT  continues looking at opportunities to participate in implementation of the U.S. Department of Transportation High Speed Rail Corridor vision. The following describes some of the efforts currently underway:

  • The Fort Worth to Oklahoma City portion of the designated South Central High Speed Rail Corridor currently operates as Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer passenger rail service. The Oklahoma and Texas Departments of Transportation are currently identifying the improvements to track, highway-rail crossings, and switches that would be needed to facilitate future High Speed Rail service.
  • Expansion of the service from Oklahoma City north to Tulsa would be a first step toward the goal of connecting the Heartland Flyer to the nationwide passenger rail network. Recent studies show that investments in track and station improvements estimated at $150 million along the rail line parallel to the Turner Turnpike (I-44) would deliver an average rail trip time of two hours between the two cities.
  • Amtrak is currently preparing a study evaluating the costs and requirements to bring the route up to High Speed Rail standards, so that travel time between OKC and Tulsa could be competitive with the 90 minute drive time. In order for High Speed Rail to be efficient and cost-effective, local bus and park-and-ride systems will be needed to support the rail system. ODOT is currently working with the metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) and rural transit providers to determine how the existing transit and park-and-ride systems will need to be enhanced to support High Speed Passenger Rail in the State.

For more information, contact ODOT at 1-800-522-8181

Commuter Rail and Union Station in Oklahoma City

11. Commuter Rail is needed in the State and especially in the OKC Area. What can be done to re-route I-40 and save the Union Station rail yard and in order to provide for future commuter rail service?

There are several initiatives currently underway looking at a variety of rail and transit options for central Oklahoma. These include combinations of commuter rail, light rail, high speed rail, bus rapid transit, and modern electric street cars. Some of the agencies and groups involved are ODOT, ACOG (the metropolitan planning organization for central Oklahoma), COTPA (the Oklahoma City bus authority), CART (the OU bus authority), the Modern Transit Project, and the Alliance for Public Transit.

Several years ago, COTPA conducted a study (www.OKFGS.org) which identified regional rail and transit needs in central Oklahoma and proposed some initial strategies. ACOG is now conducting a Regional Transit Dialogue to move the process into its next stage of evaluating the feasibility of different strategies and proposing some funding sources. Adoption of the selected strategies and implementation by the various agencies responsible would be the final steps needed.

While planning for the relocation of I-40 in downtown Oklahoma City, the Department considered the need for freight and passenger rail movement through the Union Station rail yard. Sufficient room was allowed to accommodate two tracks along with the new highway alignment. One existing track is currently used for freight rail and an adjacent line can be built to facilitate future passenger rail development.

Southwest Outer Loop

12. What is the status of the proposed Southwest Outer Loop around Oklahoma City?

An Outer Loop Corridor Study was conducted by ODOT, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, and the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments between 1998 and 2002.

This study identified a Southwest Outer Loop conceptual alignment that would connect the current endpoint of the Kilpatrick Turnpike (near SW 15th and Sara Road in Canadian County) and I-35 (near Indian Hills Road in Cleveland County).

A number of preliminary steps remain before this project could proceed. These steps include updating current development and land use information and conducting an environmental assessment. Additional communication and cooperation between affected local governments, ACOG, and ODOT will need to occur.

In addition, sufficient funding sources for preliminary engineering, right of way acquisition, utility relocation, design, and construction have not been identified. As a result, these projects are not currently included in the Department’s 8-Year Construction Work Program.