New bridge proposed across the Arkansas River

A private company might do what the state says it can't do, build a bridge over the Arkansas River on the southwest side of Tulsa. <br><br>News on Six reporter Emory Bryan has the story. <br><br>On

Friday, March 26th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A private company might do what the state says it can't do, build a bridge over the Arkansas River on the southwest side of Tulsa.

News on Six reporter Emory Bryan has the story.

On the south side of the river - Yale Place dead ends at a pasture - but within two years this road could be the start of a new bridge over the Arkansas River. The four lane bridge would connect 121st and Yale on the north side - with 131st and Yale Place on the south side.

It's a $45 million idea that will only work if the county lets a private company build it - and make money on it through tolls. Bill Bacon, Infrastrure Investors Inc: "Infrastructure Investment Inc is proposing to build and maintain a private toll bridge facility in a public private partnership with Tulsa County.â€

The company announced plans for the bridge surrounded by eager elected officials - who say the bridge won't happen any other way. Senator Nancy Riley, (R) Tulsa: â€œThe bottom line is we don't have the money to do the bridge.â€ The company already has Tulsa County on board - in part because the county will get a 20% cut of the toll money.

County approval is important because they'll have to condemn some land. There is a small neighborhood on the south side of the river - so a few homes would have to go - but on the other side - there's almost nothing in the way of the project.

For the people who live nearby - a new bridge would cut off a 10 minute detour to get across the river - and the project would open up even more of South Tulsa and Jenks for development.