Oklahoma Turnpike Authority announces toll increase to begin 2025

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) approved a toll rate increase as part of its long-term ACCESS Oklahoma plan to modernize and expand the state’s turnpike system. The increase, approved during the OTA Board’s December 10 meeting, took effect on January 1, 2025.

The toll increase is expected to generate a 15% revenue boost system-wide, with specific rate hikes varying across the state’s turnpikes based on planned infrastructure improvements:

• 20% Increase: I-44/Turner, I-44/Will Rogers, I-344/John Kilpatrick, and I-335/Kickapoo turnpikes.
• 15% Increase: I-44/H.E. Bailey, Creek, Indian Nation, and Muskogee turnpikes.
• 10% Increase: Cimarron, Cherokee, and Chickasaw turnpikes.
• No Increase: The Gilcrease Expressway will not see a toll hike until early 2026 due to a separate trust indenture.

For PIKEPASS users, the increase translates to an average of 1 cent per mile. For example, the toll for traveling from Oklahoma City to Tulsa on the I-44/Turner Turnpike will rise from $4.50 to $5.40.

Additionally, OTA is simplifying vehicle classifications, reducing the categories from five to three: small, medium, and large. These are still based on the number of axles on a vehicle.

The toll hike supports the ACCESS Oklahoma long-range plan, the largest reinvestment in the state’s turnpike system since its creation in 1953. The 15-year plan includes:

• Widening key corridors, such as the I-44/Turner Turnpike and portions of the I-344/John Kilpatrick Turnpike, to six lanes.
• Reconstructing bridges, adding new interchanges, and improving emergency response times.
• Completing the Oklahoma City Outer Loop and creating a Southern I-35 Corridor reliever route.

These upgrades aim to alleviate congestion, improve travel time reliability, and enhance safety across Oklahoma’s highways.

Starting in 2027, OTA will implement a 6% inflationary toll rate increase every other year, pending annual reviews. Even after the 2025 increase, Oklahoma’s toll rates will remain among the nation’s lowest, averaging 7 cents per mile compared to the national average of 22 cents.

OTA emphasized that toll revenue funds the maintenance and operation of the turnpike system, ensuring that Oklahoma taxpayers are not responsible for these costs. Out-of-state travelers account for approximately 40% of toll revenue.

PIKEPASS customers are encouraged to update their account information, including license plate details, to continue enjoying the lowest toll rates. Questions can be directed to OTA’s Customer Service team at 1-800-PIKEPASS (1-800-745-3727).

As the ACCESS Oklahoma plan moves forward, OTA Executive Director Joe Echelle highlighted the importance of the upgrades, saying they will “transform Oklahoma’s turnpike system for decades to come.”