Long awaited bridge project begins

Midwest Blvd. bridge expected to reopen in late spring 2025

By Jeff Harrison
Midwest City Beacon

A long-awaited bridge project is underway.

Oklahoma City recently began work on replacing the Midwest Blvd. bridge over Crutcho Creek, located north of NE 36th St.

The bridge has been closed since June of 2021.

Demolition began last week and is expected to take two weeks to complete. Construction of the new bridge will follow and is expected to be complete by late spring 2025, according to city officials.

Silver Star Construction was awarded the contract. The project is funded through $2.6 million ARPA dollars.

The new bridge will be about 202 feet long, compared to the current one that is 122 feet long.

Oklahoma City also purchased property near the site for the new bridge. The city bought 8.62 acres from Bear Lake Ranch LLC for $81,890.

Midwest Blvd. serves as a major roadway between Midwest City and rural parts of Oklahoma County.

The bridge was originally constructed in 1967. City officials said that during a routine bridge inspection in May 2021, several structural components of the bridge were found to be deteriorated beyond repair.

It was closed due to the deterioration and safety concerns.

City officials said the project was not planned and funding was not available at the time of the closure. The city used ARPA funds to fund the project.

Slow progress of the bridge project has frustrated area residents.

“We certainly understand the frustration and we have communicated many times over the years about the unfortunate closing of the bridge,” said Shannon Cox, Oklahoma City public works spokesperson.