A few weeks ago, I read that the state of Oklahoma was putting together a list of bridges slated for repairs or replacement in the next decade or so.
I’m for safe bridges as much as the next person. But I was concerned that the Pony Bridge, the amazing 38-truss span built in 1933 on old Route 66 near Bridgeport in Canadian County, would lose its distinctive look amid bureaucratic zeal to create a safe, yet humdrum, structure. I e-mailed the state department of transportation, explained its historical significance, and implored the agency to “repair, don’t replace” the bridge.
Today, I received a letter from Cole Hackett, public information officer for the agency. In part, it read:
The Canadian County project, scheduled for 2015, is in the early planning stages. I spoke with our environmental division engineer about the U.S. 281 bridge and she said the bridge was placed in our 8-year plan because it had major needs that need to be addressed. She assured me that they understand the historical significance of this bridge and have been in a dialogue with the State Historic Preservation Office to discuss what can be done to address those needs while at the same time maintaining the bridge’s historical significance. As the plans to address those needs progress and an environmental study is done, we would appreciate input from you, the Oklahoma Route 66 Association and all those interested. Public input is vital to the planning process leading up to projects and we appreciate any input we receive.
So the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is listening.
If you want to also chime in that the Pony Bridge should be repaired but not replaced, the phone number is 405-521-3050. Also, you can e-mail Dawn Sullivan, head of the state’s environmental programs division, at dsullivan(at)odot.org. If you want to use snail-mail, the address is: Oklahoma Department of Transportation, 200 NE 21st St., Oklahoma City, OK 73105-3204.
I’d be polite in the correspondence. The state has proven responsive in the past with other recent Route 66 concerns, including the preservation of the Captain Creek Bridge near Wellston.
Dear Sirs:
PLEASE don’t remove the Pony Bridge as we have lost parts of the “Mother Road”, already and we who grew up knowing about Route 66, want to save all of the rest of it that we can !!
I realize that some bridges need worked on, but, PLEASE repair, not remove !!
Sincerely,
A die-hard Route 66 fan,
Harold D. Hood
Dear Sirs,
Thank you for your concern for safety.
The history of such a bridge as the Route 66 Pony Bridge near Bridgeport, OK is in keeping with the issue of safety – of valuing human life. Much that contributes to the quality of human life is the history that gives it perspective.
Please use your engineering skills to repair but not impair its appearance. I have crossed this slice of engineering from the 1930s and though it is simple in concept the repeated trusses are spectacular in appearance as they clip by your car window. An experience shared not for 75 years!
Sincerely,
A great appreciator of Americana.
Jonathan J. Stewart
Think of the tourist that come to see rt.66 and all it that is left. The pony bridge is part of that. Maybe the American Indians will help to rebuild it. You can always check with them. I’ve crossed it a lot over the years and always looked forward to it. Its a part of route 66 and Oklahoma History. Please think about it. Thanks Don & Terri
As a traveler whose soul is somewhere on the road West, many times I have driven the remaining stretches of Route 66 looking, as it seems to me, for something I lost a long time ago. Too often in this country we neglect and destroy the good things from our past. I fell in love with the Mother Road as a child in 1971, and as I grow older I realize even more why it captured me as it did. I cannot bear the thought of losing the pony bridge…
As Mr. Stewart so eloquently said above, “Much that contributes to the quality of human life is the history that gives it perspective.”
Oklahoma has consistently been the best of the Route 66 states at recognizing the importance of saving what’s able to be saved. Oklahoma understands that we NEED these things, they’re important to us and to anyone longing to really know our country.
It is my sincere hope that the bridge is repaired and not replaced. If it is lost, we will all have lost another precious piece of ourselves.
randy duncan
memphis, tennessee