Governor Mary Fallin today announced the construction of a new interchange at Radio Road and Interstate 40 in El Reno, an area that has become a regional business center for the energy service industry. The project was made possible by a historic partnership between Chesapeake Energy Corporation, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, and the city of El Reno. Expected to be complete in 2014, the new interchange is the largest public-private transportation infrastructure project in the state.
“As governor, my number one priority is supporting the creation of good private sector jobs,” Fallin said. “To maintain that job growth, we need to continue to improve our transportation infrastructure and ensure that Oklahoma businesses have access to modern and well maintained roads and bridges. This project is a great example of how the public and private sector can work together to create a stronger environment for business and job growth. My thanks go out to Chesapeake, ODOT and the city of El Reno for collaborating on this important project.
“Global service companies are choosing Oklahoma to expand their regional businesses,” Fallin continued. “This project will help create jobs and support the continued growth of this important industry to our state.”
The project will create a five-lane overpass, widen Radio Road to four lanes and accommodate the growing business sector around El Reno. It will improve the transportation infrastructure in an area where thousands of Oklahomans are employed by major energy service corporations.
A groundbreaking event was held at the new Performance Technologies facility on the southeast corner of the interchange location. Performance Technologies, a Chesapeake affiliate, is just one of several oilfield service companies that have relocated to El Reno in recent years. Chesapeake employs more than 500 team members through its affiliate companies operating in El Reno. More than 300 employees will be based at the new Performance Technologies facility.
The event included a delegation of community, legislative and business leaders and featured remarks by Chesapeake CEO Aubrey McClendon and El Reno City Manager Tony Rivera, in addition to Governor Fallin. Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation Gary Ridley served as the master of ceremonies.
“The Radio Road and I-40 interchange is one of the most rapidly developing and important energy service sector corridors in Oklahoma,” said McClendon. “We appreciate the support and leadership of Governor Fallin, Secretary Ridley, El Reno Mayor Matt White and City Manager Tony Rivera in facilitating the construction of this interchange. Chesapeake and our partners are proud to invest alongside the state in a project that equips El Reno and the energy service sector for future growth and increased business.”
White commented, “The building of this interchange will take the area to a new level. El Reno is already bustling with activity, but it will soon become the region’s hub for oilfield services. Today’s infrastructure investment will have long-lasting effect on the future of El Reno, most immediately by securing a stronger economic future for the city.”