ODOT Breaks Ground On I-244 Bridge In Tulsa

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma -- The Oklahoma Department of Transportation took the first step in building the state's first double-decker bridge.

Crews broke ground Friday morning in Tulsa.

ODOT says replacing the I-244 bridge over the Arkansas River has been a top priority for some time -- the money just wasn't there.

But, the project is moving forward now thanks to some stimulus money. And Tulsa's Chamber president says not a moment too soon.

He says this bridge is one of the worst in the country.

"The condition of this bridge today in Tulsa is in worse condition than the bridge that collapsed in Minneapolis Saint Paul several years ago," said Mike Neal, Chamber President.

The bridge will have highway traffic on top plus rail lines and a place for pedestrians on the bottom. Work is expected to take two years to complete.

04/11/2011 Related Story: Construction On Tulsa's I-244 Bridge Project Set To Begin
03/07/2011 Related Story: New Double Deck Bridge Over Tulsa's Arkansas River Approved
12/15/2010 Related Story: ODOT Lands Federal Money To Rebuild Tulsa's I-244 Arkansas River Bridge