An I-240 loop? South OKC interstate may soon circle the city

Interstate 240, currently limited to a stretch of highway in south Oklahoma City, may soon circle the city with the route being attached to the John Kilpatrick Turnpike, the new Kickapoo Turnpike and portions of Interstate 40 and the Turner Turnpike. 

The plan also rncalls for the eastern end of State Highway 152 between Interstate 44 and the recently completed southwestern extension of Kilpatrick Turnpike to be re-designated as I-240. 

The first step to the new numbering was approved Monday by the state Transportation Department. Tim Gatz, Oklahoma secretary of transportation, said the new numbering is possible because of the completion of a seven-mile Kilpatrick Turnpike extension from Interstate 40 to SH 152 and construction of the Kickapoo Turnpike east of the city between the Turner Turnpike and I-40. 

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“We are at a point where we can have a truly continuous loop where it can shoulder some of the burden,” Gatz said. “Some of it is on the toll network … It’s not an effort to push people to the toll network. It’s just about pointing out the best approach to making travel decisions.” 

Gatz said the renumbering also is needed with an increasing number of travelers depending on GPS mapping systems in choosing which routes to follow. 

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The numbering changes, if approved, will add 75 miles to the current 16-mile stretch of I-240. 

Gatz said Monday’s vote is the start in a long process to establish the I-240 loop.

The proposal will be forwarded to a special committee made up of representatives from the Federal Highway Administration and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials for consideration since it's a change to a national route. Feedback is expected this winter.

Staff writer Steve Lackmeyer is a 31-year reporter, columnist and author who covers downtown Oklahoma City, related urban development and economics for The Oklahoman. Contact him at slackmeyer@oklahoman.com. Please support his work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.