Tulsa Looking To Fix Heat-Related Damage Along Riverparks Trails

Craig Day, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Even though the weather has cooled off, our summer heat wave is still having an impact. Those 100-plus degree days and long string of dry days are taking a toll on some sections of the Riverparks trails.

Our heat wave buckled roads and put a beat down on a number of things. That includes some of the older sections of river trails that bikers and runners may not see until the last second.

Compared to some potholes, these cracks in the asphalt may not seem that bad. But if you're on a bike, the grooves on some parts of river trails aren't so groovy.

"That's just one more thing to look out for and that's a little frightening," said cyclist Carol Foor.

The city has found five areas where cracks have developed, one near 91st. Four others on the West side of the river near the Turkey Mountain Wilderness Area. Our intense summer heat created the crevices.

"The heat of the Summer, the 105 degree days plus, and the dry conditions caused those to become worse," said Matt Meyer, River Parks Executive Director.

The new sections of trails aren't damaged, but nearly 1,200 feet of older trails need repairs. The worry is that someone could get hurt.

Riverparks went ahead and put the repairs, estimated at $80,000 to $100,000, out for bid, but keep looking for options to fix the damage.

"We don't have the money for that right now, so we'd have to dip into our contingency to do that, so we're also exploring other options with the county or the city to see what else we could do," Meyer said.

Carol Foor always watches and dodges the cracks. She hopes soon, she'll see repairs being made.

"I'm so grateful to have them, and if they can get them fixed up, it would be perfect," Foor said.

Bidding for the repair work should last about a month and Riverparks hopes to hope to have repairs made by the end of the year.