Bridge discussion crosses into full-house meeting

  • 2014-10-28
Residents of Lexington and Purcell, suburbs of Oklahoma City, discussed the bridge that runs between them late last month.

The bridge went under construction earlier this year and larger trucks are crossing the bridge while overweight. There are plans for a new bridge, but there is currently a 38-ton weight limit on the old one.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation addressed these concerns to a full house on September 28 at Lexington's First Baptist Church. ODOT chief engineer said that the department needs to monitor the bridge for drivers who disobey the weight restrictions. Construction on a new bridge will commence once a design is approved and an environmental study has been completed. It is predicted to start in 2018 at a cost of $37m.

According to Bobby Cleveland, Republican Representative for District 20, it is mainly farmers that are in need of a higher weight restriction on the bridge, but more attention needs to be given to those who cross it. Farmer Susan Moffat stated that although the weight limit on the bridge cuts into profits, it is important that families can cross safely.

Town governments will often address matters like this by hiring a printing company, which could make Signs to go at the foot of each bridge reminding drivers of the weight limit and its importance to safety.
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