Bridge over Red River to remain open until repairs begin

(Colbert-AP) -- A one-lane bridge that crosses the Red River, connecting Bryan County, Oklahoma, with Texas may remain open while under repair.

Inspectors considered closing the 1, 200 foot-long, nearly 100-year-old bridge after a hole was found in one of its underwater concrete piers. A federal highway official now says a follow-up inspection determined the bridge appears safe for the estimated 600 vehicles that cross it each day.

Bridge engineer Calvin Karper says monitoring of the bridge will continue.

Area residents say the bridge is vital for Oklahomans who travel to the Denison and Sherman, Texas, areas to work.

The $30,000 cost of repairs will be paid by Oklahoma's Bryan County and Texas' Grayson County.