Midwest Blvd. bridge remains closed two years later
The bridge over Crutcho Creek remains closed after two years and will be for two more. PHOTO BY ALYSSA DALLEY-SCHOFIELD
Oklahoma City planning to use ARPA funds to replace bridge
By Alyssa Dalley-Schofield
Staff Writer
Midwest Blvd. remains closed between NE 36th and NE 63rd streets nearly two years after it was initially shut down for bridge repairs.
The bridge is in Oklahoma City limits, just north of Midwest City.
Oklahoma City officials closed the roadway in 2021 due to safety concerns with the Midwest Blvd. bridge over Crutcho Creek. The bridge is slated to be replaced, said Oklahoma City Public Works spokeswoman, Shannon Cox.
“During a planned bridge inspection in May 2021, several structural components of the bridge were found to be deteriorated beyond repair. Due to the deterioration and safety concerns, the bridge was closed,” said Cox.
A rough timeline for the project is estimated to take another two years to complete.
“The design of the new bridge is anticipated to be completed in Fall 2023, with bidding of the work planned in late 2023. Construction will begin in 2024 and is anticipated to take about a year to complete,” said Cox.
The bridge project is estimated to cost about $2 million. Oklahoma City plans to pay for the project using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars.
“The City secured the necessary funding for the project, design is underway, property required to construct the new bridge is being acquired, and the City is working to bid and begin construction of the project as soon as the plans are complete later this year,” said Cox.
This is ridiculous. So it takes 4 years to build a 2 lane bridge.