It's no secret that the Roosevelt Bridge is in dire need of being replaced. In July, Oklahoma House Representative CodyMaynardsaidthe bridge was too dangerous to keep up with the demands of the traffic.
“It’s a two lane bridge with no shoulders and it’s extremely dangerous,” said Maynard.
Maynard said the plans are to build the new bridge, whileallowingvehiclesaccess to the current bridge. He also noted that the new bridge will be much safer.
ODOT said that the current bridge will be kept as a pedestrian and bicycle crossing.
“That will give cars some area if they need to pull over,” said Maynard. “And there should also be a median dividing the lane so that traffic can’t hit each other if they’re coming head on.”
Originally, the time line was slotted to begin in 2029. However, the timeline has been moved up to begin in 2026.
The new project date was part of an eight-year construction work plan that was approved at the Transportation Commission meeting on October 7.
The project is going to be one of the largest highway projects ever in the Texoma area. It is estimated to cost approximately $250 million.