ODOT Explores Options For Removing Belle Isle Bridge

After emergency repairs and the continuous maintenance, Oklahoma Department of Transportation is thinking about getting rid of the Belle Isle Bridge.

Monday, ODOT is expected to sign off on options for the removal of the bridge. The bridge serves nearly 100,000 drivers every day.

Last year, there was 7-million dollars in emergency repair fees after the structure began to crumble. 

The plans will take years to complete and will explore traffic viability if the bridge is removed in several spots. 

“What we are going to look at is what are our options. Can we lower it at some locations? Are there areas that we need to keep grade separation,” says ODOT Director of Engineering Tim Tegeler.

Crews are already scheduled to perform maintenance this fall.

6/3/16 Related Story: The Journal Record: Contract Would Allow Study Of Removing Belle Isle Bridge In OKC