Oklahoma moves into Top 5 nationally for having good bridges

Earlier this year, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation provided an update on the current condition of Oklahoma’s state bridges, and according to the most recent inspection data from the Federal Highway Administration, Oklahoma has moved up to No. 5 in the nation for the lowest percentage of structurally deficient bridges on the highway system.

Bridge reconstruction projects and repairs made in 2021 helped move Oklahoma up to No. 5 from No. 7 in 2020, which is the highest ranking ever for the state. Oklahoma surpassed the state of Texas, which wound up in the 7th spot.

“Having a well-maintained system of highways, roads and bridges is an indispensable part of economic development as goods and services are transported daily across our state,” said Roy Williams, president and CEO for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. “Even right here in Oklahoma City, crews are in the process of completing work on six bridges on Interstate 40 in Del City, making it safer for the thousands of people traveling on that stretch of interstate every day, including many of the 26,000 residents working at Tinker Air Force Base, our metro’s largest employer.”

Under ODOT’s Eight-Year Construction Work Plan, the state will continue replacing or rehabbing the state’s remaining 47 structurally deficient bridges through the year 2029, not including bridges that fall under the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority’s purview. Out of the 836 bridges on Oklahoma’s toll road network, just one is in poor condition and is currently undergoing repairs.

In a recent ODOT meeting, Oklahoma Transportation Secretary Tim Gatz recognized state lawmakers as well as Gov. Stitt and his predecessors for their support in ensuring Oklahoma’s bridges are cared for at a manageable level.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of the Legislature, certainly Governor Stitt and all of the previous governors, because this is a long-term commitment that only increasing resources can help to address,” Gatz said.

For years, Oklahoma had been one of the worst states in the nation for the number of deficient bridges.

In 2004 the state was ranked No. 49 for bridge conditions until the Oklahoma Legislature began to focus its efforts on reversing that trend. Since that time, the number of bridges rated structurally deficient or in poor condition has dropped from 1,168 bridges in 2004 to 47 today, representing less than one percent of the approximately 6,800 state highway bridges currently maintained by ODOT. Those figures also include bridges on interstates and U.S. highways but do not include bridges on the state’s turnpike system.

Cities and counties are responsible for funding the construction, repair and replacement of the approximately 15,500 bridges found on local roads across the state. Other federal and state funding is also available to help those entities maintain their bridge infrastructure.