Drivers on Oklahoma interstates will soon see signs of the state’s effort to improve alternative fueling infrastructure. On Nov. 3, the Federal Highway Administration designated I-35, I-40 and I-44 in Oklahoma as alternative fuel corridors, a special designation aimed at improving the mobility of passenger and commercial vehicles that run on alternative fuels. This new designation means special highway signage indicating the nearest alternative fueling station will eventually be placed along these highways by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.  

The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments and the Indian Nations Council of Governments partnered with ODOT to nominate several Oklahoma highways as alternative fuel corridors. The FHWA approved I-35, I-40 and I-44 as signage ready natural gas fuel corridors and planned electric vehicle charging corridors, meaning Oklahoma is making strides in development of its EV infrastructure. Oklahoma is the only state with all of its interstate system designated as signage ready for CNG and is now linked to a national network of alternative fuel corridors via highway connections with Texas and Missouri.

ODOT Executive Director Mike Patterson says “Oklahoma’s interstates are now part of a national network of highways with easy access to alternative fueling stations. The federal designation and placement of signs on our highways will improve travel for drivers and commercial fleets using CNG and electric vehicles.”  

The federal Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act directed the FHWA to designate national highway corridors for EV charging, hydrogen, propane, and CNG fueling.