Okla. Stat. tit. 69, § 69-1706: Grade separations - Vacation, relocation, and

reconstruction of streets and highways - Entry on lands, waters and

premises - Use of state lands.

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.