Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Names New Turnpike After Toby Keith

The late country music star's family says he ultimately came to support the project.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority has officially approved naming the new east-west connector along the Moore-Norman border the "Toby Keith Expressway." This comes after the late country music star's family says Keith initially opposed the project but ultimately came to support it.

Why it matters

Toby Keith was a beloved Oklahoma native and country music icon, so naming a major new turnpike after him is seen as a fitting tribute that will cement his legacy in the state. The turnpike project itself has also been a point of contention, with some residents initially opposing it.

The details

The new east-west connector turnpike will run along the border between the cities of Moore and Norman. After initially opposing the project, Toby Keith's family says the country star eventually came to support the turnpike before his passing.

  • The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority officially approved the "Toby Keith Expressway" name on March 4, 2026.

The players

Oklahoma Turnpike Authority

The state agency responsible for building and operating Oklahoma's turnpike system.

Toby Keith

A beloved country music star and Oklahoma native who the new turnpike is named after.

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What they’re saying

“Toby Keith ultimately came to support the project after initially opposing it.”

— Toby Keith's family (spotonoklahoma.com)

What’s next

The new "Toby Keith Expressway" turnpike is expected to open to the public later this year.

The takeaway

Naming a major new turnpike after Toby Keith is a fitting tribute to the beloved Oklahoma country music icon, even though he initially opposed the project before eventually coming to support it.