It's crazy that this thread started in 2017 and we still don't have this bridge yet. As a resident of Wheeler I would love it to be done sometime soon. I think it was mentioned at our last HOA meeting that it would be done in 2024. I am not sure how much I will use this bridge as a pedestrian because I mostly run from my house to downtown and use the Robinson bridge currently. I am not sure I want to walk/run in the opposite direction to get downtown.

It's crazy that this thread started in 2017 and we still don't have this bridge yet. As a resident of Wheeler I would love it to be done sometime soon. I think it was mentioned at our last HOA meeting that it would be done in 2024. I am not sure how much I will use this bridge as a pedestrian because I mostly run from my house to downtown and use the Robinson bridge currently. I am not sure I want to walk/run in the opposite direction to get downtown.

I was just told that this project is in limbo while the one near OKANA is in full motion.

Check out this article from The Oklahoman:

Foot traffic: OKC snags federal funding for third pedestrian bridge over Oklahoma River

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/local/2024/06/26/okc-third-pedestrian-bridge-near-i-35-funded-us-dot/74203947007/

Check out this article from The Oklahoman:

Foot traffic: OKC snags federal funding for third pedestrian bridge over Oklahoma River

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/local/2024/06/26/okc-third-pedestrian-bridge-near-i-35-funded-us-dot/74203947007/

This is so fantastic. To go from zero to three bridges will be such a game-changer for connectivity

Here is a link to the article without having to mess with the Oklahoman.

https://www.aol.com/foot-traffic-okc-snags-federal-100952492.html

Now we need one more bridge between Robinson Ave. and Walker Ave. to connect Lower Scissortail Park and Wiley Post Park, it will be perfect.

Here is a link to the article without having to mess with the Oklahoman.

https://www.aol.com/foot-traffic-okc-snags-federal-100952492.html

Now we need one more bridge between Robinson Ave. and Walker Ave. to connect Lower Scissortail Park and Wiley Post Park, it will be perfect.

If it could be a cable-stayed replica of the Scissortail Bridge over the interstate, that would be a pretty good look that would be a little more consistent with the theme of that path.

This is so fantastic. To go from zero to three bridges will be such a game-changer for connectivity

I know this may sound snarky, but I really don't mean it that way, but... I hope you are right and the bridges are used by more than a hand full of pedestrians. We add sidewalks that I see very few walking on. We have made great strides ofr bicycles, yet I rarely see bicyclists out and using the lanes. All these infrastructure moves we are making need to be utilized so we will be encouraged to make more.

There is a very strong network effect with this sort of thing. If 98% of a bike network is built out but that missing 2% is across a river or an interstate---very few will use the 98%.

I know this may sound snarky, but I really don't mean it that way, but... I hope you are right and the bridges are used by more than a hand full of pedestrians. We add sidewalks that I see very few walking on. We have made great strides ofr bicycles, yet I rarely see bicyclists out and using the lanes. All these infrastructure moves we are making need to be utilized so we will be encouraged to make more.

If we built roads the way we build sidewalks and bike lanes (that is in pieces and not a connected network) you wouldnt see many people driving ever.

If we built roads the way we build sidewalks and bike lanes (that is in pieces and not a connected network) you wouldnt see many people driving ever.

That's an absurd equivalancy.

Hope I’m speaking on the correct bridge here as I saw Holt tweet today (I-35 proposed pedestrian bridge over OK River). I used to run the south river trail on my daily run. It currently dead-ends at the I-35 bridge. I’ve always loved the trail here for its partially shaded path and good views of the skyline and Riversport. This trail is beaming with potential especially with the proposed bridge and connection to Okana as well as the northern portion of that trail.

Unfortunately I no longer run this stretch because quite frankly it’s become too dangerous. I’ve ran this trail a million times and had overall great experiences. However, I’ve noticed that the general vibe along the trail has changed with a significant increase in litter and a growing homeless presence. This alone isn’t enough for me to quit frequenting a trail. I can get past some litter & a few homeless folks here and there no biggie. The overall positives of this trail aren’t enough to outweigh two particular experiences that I had on this trail. One of which was being chased (and bitten) by an off-leash dog. The second of which, was being confronted by a man (seemingly tweaking) with a large knife on one of the most remote portions of the trail. I don’t mean to be dramatic especially in light of the good news of increased connectivity, but, I just wish and hope that the City would do something to make these trails more safe. I know multiple people that share these experiences along the river trails. I really don’t know what can or should be done but as a downtown resident I feel like I have a decent pulse on what areas are safe & which aren’t and this spot is now near the top of places I avoid.

There is a very strong network effect with this sort of thing. If 98% of a bike network is built out but that missing 2% is across a river or an interstate---very few will use the 98%.

I agree with Rover. Adding a bridge over the river is not likely to significantly increase the number of bicycle riders in OKC. There is a small percentage of the population that are enthusiasts that ride for enjoyment, which is great, and the city should provide the means to do so via bike paths. Very few commute to work daily via bicycle. OKC is not a bike centric city and likely never will be due to size and extreme temperatures. I was in Seattle a few weeks ago and even there, very few cyclists were utilizing the many bike lanes.

Super amped to have another pedestrian crossing point. Pete previously mentioned the bridge near Wheeler Park was "in limbo." Does that mean it may not happen or just that cdesign/onstruction is taking a long time to get off the starting block?

Super amped to have another pedestrian crossing point. Pete previously mentioned the bridge near Wheeler Park was "in limbo." Does that mean it may not happen or just that cdesign/onstruction is taking a long time to get off the starting block?

The new federal funding means it will get built, but not until 2027.

is this bridge the red one designed by AHMM?

is this bridge the red one designed by AHMM?

AHMM did some concepts but the final design has not been approved.

Hope I’m speaking on the correct bridge here as I saw Holt tweet today (I-35 proposed pedestrian bridge over OK River). I used to run the south river trail on my daily run. It currently dead-ends at the I-35 bridge. I’ve always loved the trail here for its partially shaded path and good views of the skyline and Riversport. This trail is beaming with potential especially with the proposed bridge and connection to Okana as well as the northern portion of that trail.

Unfortunately I no longer run this stretch because quite frankly it’s become too dangerous. I’ve ran this trail a million times and had overall great experiences. However, I’ve noticed that the general vibe along the trail has changed with a significant increase in litter and a growing homeless presence. This alone isn’t enough for me to quit frequenting a trail. I can get past some litter & a few homeless folks here and there no biggie. The overall positives of this trail aren’t enough to outweigh two particular experiences that I had on this trail. One of which was being chased (and bitten) by an off-leash dog. The second of which, was being confronted by a man (seemingly tweaking) with a large knife on one of the most remote portions of the trail. I don’t mean to be dramatic especially in light of the good news of increased connectivity, but, I just wish and hope that the City would do something to make these trails more safe. I know multiple people that share these experiences along the river trails. I really don’t know what can or should be done but as a downtown resident I feel like I have a decent pulse on what areas are safe & which aren’t and this spot is now near the top of places I avoid.

There has been a change in the last two or three years. I do not know if it is a result of the economy or a change in homeless/enforcement policy, but in order for the Riverside area to thrive there will need to be a change at the City/County level.

There has been a change in the last two or three years. I do not know if it is a result of the economy or a change in homeless/enforcement policy, but in order for the Riverside area to thrive there will need to be a change at the City/County level.

Completely agree.

This line from the article is very encouraging!


Oklahoma's Transportation Department also has plans to rebuild the northbound and southbound lanes of the Interstate 35 bridge at that location. Construction on the vehicle portion of the bridge is currently planned for 2028. The recent announcement that Oklahoma City will host two events in the Olympic Games (https://www.yahoo.com/news/olympics-come-town-2028-visitors-110304622.html) that year could influence that project's timeline, however.

The Transportation Department reevaluates its long-term plans each fall.

I 'wonder' if the state could expedite the I-35 bridge reconstruction to remove the piers (and hopefully create a momument commemorating the importance of the bridge as the Crossroads of America), would the LA28 Olympics consider/reconsider OKC for the rowing events. It could be a savings to the overall effort and have the space to run the events (2000 meters? vs the shortened current plan of 1500 meters in Long Beach).

If the city/state is going to rebuild I-35 bridge anyway, why not expedite to further assist LA, add even more Olympics to the city, AND further improve the city itself, sooner. I also wonder if the Feds could help the expedited I-35 replacement if LA28, the city, and state combined efforts to use efficiency gains to support the Olympics, the city, state, and (since it's the crossroads) the nation. ... Win, win, win, and WIN!

This line from the article is very encouraging!



I 'wonder' if the state could expedite the I-35 bridge reconstruction to remove the piers (and hopefully create a momument commemorating the importance of the bridge as the Crossroads of America), would the LA28 Olympics consider/reconsider OKC for the rowing events. It could be a savings to the overall effort and have the space to run the events (2000 meters? vs the shortened current plan of 1500 meters in Long Beach).

If the city/state is going to rebuild I-35 bridge anyway, why not expedite to further assist LA, add even more Olympics to the city, AND further improve the city itself, sooner. I also wonder if the Feds could help the expedited I-35 replacement if LA28, the city, and state combined efforts to use efficiency gains to support the Olympics, the city, state, and (since it's the crossroads) the nation. ... Win, win, win, and WIN!

The initial plans I saw did not have any central piers.

My construction update with the bridge
https://youtu.be/Dtn81cHoDt4

^

Awesome as always. Thanks so much, Tony G!

The Citizen video was one of the best ones so far !!!