U.S. 412 Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study

JP 36405(04)

Click the link below for the results of the study, recommendations, and next steps.

Winter 2025-2026 Factsheet

Contact:

If you have any questions regarding this project, please email Jason Russell at jason.russell@odot.ok.gov or call 405-595-1739 and leave a detailed message.

Description

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) have completed the Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study of U.S. 412. The study was performed in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).  The PEL Study limits extend approximately 190 miles from I-35 in Noble County, Oklahoma to I-49 in Benton County, Arkansas. The overarching goal was to develop a master plan to support the transition from a U.S. Highway to an interstate, in accordance with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and to address the congressionally mandated legislation to convert Highway 412 into an interstate facility.

ODOT, ARDOT, and OTA anticipate incorporating recommendations made as part of the PEL Study into future National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) studies, per Title 23 of the U.S. Code, Part 168.

ODOT, ARDOT and OTA hosted three open house public meetings (two in Oklahoma, one in Arkansas) in June 2024 to share the final results and recommendations from the PEL Study. In conjunction with the in-person open houses, a virtual story map including all meeting materials will be was available on the ODOT website for an extended review and comment period. Below are the factsheets, boards, and roll drawings by planning segment that were available at each open house. In conjuction with the in-person open hosues, a virtual story map including all meeting materials will be available on the ODOT website for an extended review and comment period. 

This concludes the U.S. 412 Planning and Environmental Linkages study.  Study results will be used to advance projects into the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) phase of project development.

Downloads

• Factsheet (English)
• Factsheet (Spanish)
• Board Displays
• Planning Segment Roll Drawings (5 - see below)

1. Proposed Complementary Alternatives
2. Cimarron / Keystone
3. Inola
4. Cherokee Turnpike
5. Arkansas                    

October 2023 Public Meetings

• Purpose and Need
  
• Baseline Conditions – Environmental Constraints
• Baseline Conditions – Traffic, Safety and Engineering

Comments

COMMENTS MAY BE SUBMITTED THROUGH JUNE 4 - JUNE 28, 2024

To submit online:  CLICK HERE

To download comment form: CLICK HERE

NOTE: To submit this Comment Form by email please download the form. Use your Adobe Reader to fill in your information and leave your comment, then select the Submit by Email button. You can also fill in the downloaded form and send it as an email attachment if you are on a public computer, or email your comments to Engage@odot.ok.gov. If you do not currently have an Adobe Reader, you can download a free copy at https://get.adobe.com/reader/

Email: Engage@odot.ok.gov

Address:
ODOT Government and Community Affairs
OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
200 N.E. 21st Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73105-3204

FAQs

What is the study?

The PEL study limits are from I-35 in Noble County, Oklahoma to I-49 in Benton County, Arkansas, a distance of 190 miles. The overarching goal is to develop a master plan to support the transition from a U.S. Highway to an interstate, in accordance with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

What is a PEL?

Planning and Environmental Linkages, or PEL, is a process that allows information, analysis and decisions made during the planning phase, prior to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) activities, to be used or relied upon during environmental review. A PEL process is “NEPA-like” and can be used to support decisions, such as transportation funding options, defining purpose and need, screening alternatives, and developing programmatic agreements (PAs). The PEL process is part of FHWA’s Every Day Counts (EDC) initiatives (established 2011-2012), intended to identify, develop, and deploy innovative techniques aimed at accelerating project delivery.

What is the current staus of the study?

The U.S. 412 PEL Study was completed in the Winter of 2025/2026. You can view the Winter 2025-2026 factsheet for the results of the study, recommendations, and next steps.