A. The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority may and it shall be its duty to construct grade separations at intersections of any turnpike project with state and federal highways, and to change and adjust the lines and grades of such highways so as to accommodate the same to the design of such grade separation. The Authority may construct grade separations at intersections of turnpike projects with county highways and city streets and it shall construct grade separations at intersections of any turnpike project with county highways used as mail or school bus routes, or section lines which are well used and are necessary for convenience of people living in these areas. The cost of such grade separations and any damage incurred in changing and adjusting the lines and grades of such highways shall be ascertained and paid by the Authority as a part of the cost of such turnpike project. Except for routine surface maintenance, the Authority shall maintain the structure and surface of bridges and overpasses where a county road crosses over or under a turnpike.
B. If the Authority shall find it necessary to change the location of any portion of any state or county highway or street of a municipality, it shall cause the same to be reconstructed in substantially the same type and in as good condition as the original highway. Provided, however, that all changes and adjustments of the lines and grades of state highways shall be subject to the approval of the Transportation Commission. The cost of such reconstruction and any damage incurred in changing the location of any such highway or street shall be ascertained and paid by the Authority as a part of the cost of such turnpike project.
C. In addition to the foregoing powers, the Authority and its authorized agents and employees may enter upon any lands, waters, and premises in the state for the purpose of making surveys, soundings, drillings, and examinations as it may deem necessary or convenient for the purposes of establishing, locating, relocating, constructing, and maintaining turnpikes or relocations thereof and facilities necessary and incidental thereto. Such entry shall not be deemed a trespass, nor shall an entry for such purpose be deemed an entry under any condemnation proceedings which may be then pending; however, notice shall be given to the owner of or person residing on the premises, personally or by registered mail, at least ten (10) days prior to such entry. The Authority shall make reimbursement for any actual damages resulting to such lands, waters, and premises as a result of such activities. In the event of disagreement as to the amount of damage, either the person or the Authority may file a petition with the district court for the appointment of commissioners to appraise the damages and proceed to have the same determined as in condemnation proceedings.
D. The State of Oklahoma hereby consents to the use of all lands owned by it, including lands lying under water, which are deemed by the Authority to be necessary for the construction or operation of any turnpike project; and the State of Oklahoma shall be paid reasonable compensation for the land or property used, such compensation to be determined in the manner now provided by law for condemnation proceedings.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 415, § 1706, operative July 1, 1968. Amended by Laws 1997, c. 282, § 2, emerg. eff. May 27, 1997; Laws 2004, c. 419, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2004; Laws 2005, c. 68, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 2005.