State and local officials gathered on September 30 at Roosevelt Bridge to discuss the largest bridge construction project in Oklahoma for the ever-nearing future. This mega construction project has found little to no opposition from the community and the representatives. Senator James Lankford and other officials talked about the dangers of the current bridge.
“I am watching these trucks pass each other with mere inches to spare,” Lankford said.
It seems as if all the parties realize the importance of improving the safety for citizens and themselves while commuting across the bridge. State Representative Cody Maynard discussed the dangers, as well, and how it affects the district.
“This bridge is one of the biggest issues in my district,” Maynard said. “It imposes so many dangers and lives have been lost.”
“There is no room for error when driving across the bridge,” Anthony Echelle, the Division Engineer for theOklahomaDepartmentof Transportation, said. “It has served its purpose for many years, it’s time for the next generation bridge.”
Going with the eight-year plan sets this mega project for 2029. Officials, Echelle, and the citizens said they would like to see this project start a lot sooner. With the lack of opposition and the funding in place with Federal grants and state bonding, all hope to see this project begin sooner rather than later. The complete support from the Corps of Engineers adds even more momentum for the project to begin.
Echelle said this project will be different than any prior ones.
“Today, we are looking at an alternative delivery method that will be different than anything previously used in Oklahoma,” Echelle said. “The purpose is to get the project underway sooner. The same approach has been used by other states for similar mega projects.”
The plan is to use the current bridge until the construction of the new one is complete. The new four-lane bridge will allow plenty of roomtoaccommodatecurrent traffic of all sizes including buses, trucks, trailers and some oversized loads with a safer journey across for all. Construction of the new bridge will take two to three years and plans may consist of a median or physical barrier separating the directions of traffic aiding in the elimination of head on collisions.