Authorities keeping close eye on detour bridges

Roughly 20,000 motorists used the I-40 bridge everyday before it's collapse. <br><br>Now all of that traffic is being detoured onto many rural bridges, but can they handle the load? A highway research

Friday, May 31st 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Roughly 20,000 motorists used the I-40 bridge everyday before it's collapse.

Now all of that traffic is being detoured onto many rural bridges, but can they handle the load? A highway research group says about one-third of Oklahoma's bridges longer then 20 feet are in bad shape. That makes us the worst state in the country for much needed repairs.

The bridges now being used on the detour were never really designed for such heavy traffic. Crews are keeping a constant eye on the bridges for potential problems.