Partnership Formed To Build 'The Gateway' Pedestrian Bridge In Tulsa

The pedestrian bridge that will connect the City of Tulsa and the Gathering Place over the Arkansas River is one step closer to construction.

The Tulsa River Parks Authority signed an agreement Thursday creating a new partnership to build the new iconic bridge.

It's out with the old and in with a new pedestrian bridge over the Arkansas River. 

"We're super excited about that. We definitely want that available," said Tulsan Kathy Stapleton. 

Runners like Stapleton say the decision to build the new bridge couldn't come at a better time with Gathering Place opening in September.

"It's just great scenery to run across the bridge," she said. 

"I’m looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to anything on the river that's an improvement," said another pedestrian.

The Tulsa River Parks Authority approved an agreement that allows the City of Tulsa, River Parks, and Gathering Place to build the new Arkansas River pedestrian bridge.

6/5/2017 Related Story: 'The Gateway' Design Selected As Tulsa's New Pedestrian Bridge

"There's no one in the world who knows more about that space and how to build something world class than the team at the Gathering Place," said Mayor G.T. Bynum. 

The new bridge will cost the city more than $24 million. Mayor G.T. Bynum said it's badly needed because the current bridge is old and impossible to renovate.

"It'd be less expensive to build a new bridge than to try and rehabilitate this old bridge that is about to fall apart," Bynum said. 

The new "Gateway" bridge will include more shaded areas and separate paths for pedestrians and cyclists. 

Bynum said it will be a unique landmark for the city.

"People are going to get married on this bridge, people are going to get proposed to on this bridge. It's going to be an icon for our city," Bynum said. 

The city says the demolition of the current bridge will begin as soon as possible.

The Gateway bridge is expected to be finished in the next three years.