Federal, state and local leaders gathered March 11 to mark the completion of the U.S. Senator James Inhofe Interchange at Interstate 40 and Douglas Boulevard, a major transportation investment aimed at improving mobility and supporting continued economic growth in eastern Oklahoma County.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation led the approximately $170 million project, which widened more than six miles of I-40 and constructed a modern single-point urban interchange designed to enhance safety, reduce congestion and strengthen regional connectivity. Construction began in late 2021.

Remarks during the ceremony were delivered by Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation Tim Gatz; Molly Rapert, daughter of the late U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe; representatives from U.S. Sen. James Lankford’s office; Sen. Brenda Stanley; Midwest City Mayor Matt Dukes; and Greater Oklahoma City Chamber President and CEO Christy Gillenwater.

Gillenwater said continued investment in transportation infrastructure is critical to maintaining the region’s competitiveness and supporting workforce access.

“Projects like this are essential to developing our region as one of the most business-friendly in America,” Gillenwater said. “Lower congestion and better mobility expand access to jobs for residents and expand access to talent for businesses. Strengthening connections to the workforce in eastern Oklahoma is vital to the continued growth of the Oklahoma City region.”

She also highlighted the project’s impact on Tinker Air Force Base, the state’s largest single-site employer.

“Improved access at this interchange will make it easier for Tinker’s 27,000 employees to get to and from work and better support the critical missions happening at the base,” she said. “This investment also creates opportunities for continued growth at Tinker and strengthens collaboration between the base and our region’s growing aerospace sector.”

Gillenwater noted the interchange’s namesake reflects longtime partnership between regional leaders and the late senator.

“There is no more appropriate name for this transformational project than the U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe Interchange,” she said. “He was a strong champion for Tinker and for transportation infrastructure across our state.”

Officials said the project demonstrates the impact of collaboration among federal, state and local partners working alongside the business community to support long-term economic opportunity in the region.