Driving the Freedom Freeway: Stretch of I-40 named to honor Tinker

Published Oct. 26, 2007
By Kandis West
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Oklahoma State legislators are paying tribute to Tinker Air Force Base by naming a section of Interstate 40 the Freedom Freeway.
   "This is just another example of the great support Tinker receives from our Oklahoma hosts. This designation recognizes the contributions of all of Tinker's military, civilian, contract and community partners that ensure our freedom by operating, sustaining, and supporting the world's greatest air and space force," said Col. Mark Correll, 72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker installation commander.
   The Freedom Freeway runs from the Scott Street and Reno Avenue exit to the Harrah and Newalla Road exit on the interstate.
   "It is the artery leading to Tinker Air Force Base, which has been a major part of our local economy and is expected to fuel future growth," said Oklahoma State Rep. Gary Banz (R-Midwest City), one of the authors of the House Bill 1443 designating the stretch of road as the Freedom Freeway.
   Rep. Banz said not only does Freedom Freeway recognize the economic and national defense contributions of Tinker, but it also spotlights the communities surrounding the base.
   "By renaming the road, we take pride in elevating the visibility of the role the communities of Del City, Midwest City, Nicoma Park, Choctaw, Harrah and Oklahoma City play in support of national defense," the representative said.
   Oklahoma Department of Transportation officials posted signs Thursday reading, "Welcome to Freedom Freeway, Home of Tinker Air Force Base," east of the eastbound Scott Street entrance and west of the westbound Harrah Road entrance.
   Rep. Banz said several transportation projects are scheduled for the free way in the near future to support the predicted expansion of the aerospace industry around the base.
   "The new maintenance, repair, overhaul MRO facility is expected to have a significant economic impact in our area and more private Department of Defense aerospace businesses are expected to spin off from Tinker in the near future," Rep. Banz said.
   Construction projects slated for the area include the reworking of the Choctaw Road interchange due to congestion problems as the metro area continues to expand eastward.
   ODOT is also installing crossover barriers along much of the Freedom Freeway route.
   House Bill 1443 was co-authored by Rep. Banz, Sen. Cliff Aldridge (R-Midwest City), House Speaker Lance Cargill (R-Harrah), Rep. Scott Inman (D-Del City), Rep. Charlie Joyner (R-Midwest City), Rep. Randy Terrill (R-Moore) and Sen. Jim Reynolds (R-Oklahoma City).