Remaining bridge over Bird Creek near Catoosa will be torn down

The other half of the Route 66 Twin Bridges that once stood near Catoosa, Oklahoma, will be torn down starting sometime next year. KJRH-TV in nearby Tulsa reported the Oklahoma Department of Transportation awarded a $7.2 million contract to replace the 1956 bridge on eastbound Route 66. The bridge replacement project is expected to begin … Continue reading Remaining bridge over Bird Creek near Catoosa will be torn down

Route 66 landmark Pony Bridge near Bridgeport reopens to traffic

The Route 66 landmark Pony Bridge near Bridgeport, Oklahoma, reopened to traffic Friday after a celebration on the rehabbed span. Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, said ODOT counted more than 350 vehicles at one point of the ceremony. He also shot the above image, which shows how crowded it was. Before … Continue reading Route 66 landmark Pony Bridge near Bridgeport reopens to traffic

Groundbreaking ceremony held for two-year project to replace Pony Bridge near Bridgeport

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation on Wednesday held a groundbreaking ceremony on a two-year, $35 million project to widen the historic Pony Bridge near Bridgeport but preserve the span's distinctive pony trusses. ODOT sent out this tweet from the scene: Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell & Oklahoma History Center Director Trait Thompson joined Secretary of Transportation … Continue reading Groundbreaking ceremony held for two-year project to replace Pony Bridge near Bridgeport

Pony Bridge in western Oklahoma to close on Oct. 31 for at least two years

The landmark Pony Bridge near Bridgeport, Oklahoma, will be closed to traffic for at least two years next Monday as it undergoes extensive improvements that will preserve it distinctive trusses. Oklahoma Route 66 Association President Rhys Martin announced the imminent closure in an email Friday: We have known this day is coming for a long … Continue reading Pony Bridge in western Oklahoma to close on Oct. 31 for at least two years

Oklahoma unveils new U.S. Bicycle Route 66 bicycle signs that will be posted

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation recently unveiled a new U.S. Bicycle Route 66 that will be installed along nearly 400 miles of the historic highway in the state. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation debuted the newly approved road sign for U.S. Bicycle Route 66 in Oklahoma. Pictured, from left, are ODOT Multimodal Division Manager Jared … Continue reading Oklahoma unveils new U.S. Bicycle Route 66 bicycle signs that will be posted

Oklahoma issues guidelines for entities to paint Route 66 shield on pavement

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation recently issued pavement-marking guidelines for cities and counties along Route 66 before the highway's centennial in 2026. According to an ODOT news release posted by the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, the guidance came after several entities requested it. The 21-foot by 8-foot black and white markings will be approved by … Continue reading Oklahoma issues guidelines for entities to paint Route 66 shield on pavement

Reconstruction of Pony Bridge near Bridgeport won’t start until June

Those traveling Route 66 during the first half of 2022 have good news: The reconstruction project that will close the Pony Bridge near Bridgeport, Oklahoma, for at least two years won't begin until June. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association on Facebook passed along the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's updated word about the bridge project this … Continue reading Reconstruction of Pony Bridge near Bridgeport won’t start until June

New U.S. 81 Rock Island Bridge that pays tribute to Route 66 opens in El Reno

State and local officials on Friday held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of a new U.S. 81 Rock Island Bridge in El Reno, Oklahoma, that pays tribute to the original span's Route 66 history. According to the El Reno Tribune, the ceremony for the new $10 million bridge included a performance by the … Continue reading New U.S. 81 Rock Island Bridge that pays tribute to Route 66 opens in El Reno

Captain Creek Bridge in Wellston is reopened after reconstruction

The historic Captain Creek Bridge along an alignment of Route 66 in Wellston, Oklahoma, recently reopened after the state's Department of Transportation improved and reconstructed the span using its original pony trusses. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association on Facebook noted the completion of the project: "Although the original 1932 trusses no longer support the bridge, … Continue reading Captain Creek Bridge in Wellston is reopened after reconstruction

More details emerge on new Route 66 directional signs for Oklahoma

Oklahoma's largest newspaper uncovered new details about the new directional signs that will be installed along Route 66 this spring. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association last month announced the forthcoming signs, including its somewhat altered design. The Oklahoman, based in Oklahoma City, reported this on Monday: The Oklahoma Department of Transportation will replace about 80 … Continue reading More details emerge on new Route 66 directional signs for Oklahoma