A few weeks ago, it was announced the reopening of the historic Lake Overholser Bridge to traffic would be on Oct. 11.
According to an invitation received in the mail today, the City of Oklahoma City announced the reopening ceremony will be at 2 p.m. that day. The invitation indicates that Mayor Mick Cornett and city council will attend.
According to The Oklahoman newspaper, the cost by the city to repair the bridge was $4 million. Funds came from a voter-passed bond issue. The bridge had been closed to traffic since 2008.
The bridge was built in 1924 before Route 66 and was mentioned in John Steinbeck’s novel, “The Grapes of Wrath.”
According to Jim Ross’ book “Oklahoma Route 66,” the bridge consists of four Parker trusses and one Warren pony truss on each end, spanning almost 750 feet. The bridge also underwent repairs during the 1990s.
If you want to attend the ceremony, here’s a map to the bridge on Overholser Drive.
(Photo courtesy of Guy Randall; hat tip to Ken Turmel)
Awesome! I drive by it a couple of times a week. I will be there for the opening.
Stopped by on the way into Bethany today. Everything looks great. New road bed and new rails at the ends of the bridge. Just take down the barriers and it should be ready to roll again.
Way to go OKC!!!
I cant wait to drive my 38 buick and my 57 pontiac acrossthis fantastic old bridge again–what a great okla landmark it is –I will have my 57 pontiac at the opening on oct. 11 at 2pm —hope i can sleep tonight–See you there—–Terry Tatum