I agree with everything said in this comment

OKC has no clue about proper pedestrian planning

NW EXPRESSWAY is not a highway in the city it is a 6 lane road with a ton of stop lights and does not need a pedestrian bridge at any intersection as there is very little pedestrian traffic

I don't like the design either but has it ever occurred to you that there's no pedestrian traffic because it is so unsafe? I mean, it will never be 5th Ave, nor should it, but I've seen plenty of people walking in the road/grass down Northwest Expressway, including one man in a wheelchair who was rolling down the street in the road. Safe access like this doesn't need to be bustling with people at all times to make it valuable and an alternative option to the deathtrap that NW Expwy currently is...

I don't like the design either but has it ever occurred to you that there's no pedestrian traffic because it is so unsafe? I mean, it will never be 5th Ave, nor should it, but I've seen plenty of people walking in the road/grass down Northwest Expressway, including one man in a wheelchair who was rolling down the street in the road. Safe access like this doesn't need to be bustling with people at all times to make it valuable and an alternative option to the deathtrap that NW Expwy currently is...

This bridge is not designed for folks walking or biking on NWE. It's designed to get the existing Hefner-Overholser trail over the road. That's really it. So, while I share everyone's concerns about walkability in OKC, this bridge does what it was designed to do. Was it necessary or worth the money? I don't know. I run that trail on occasion and waiting for a light to cross was really no big deal, but having this bridge will be nice.

I don't like the design either but has it ever occurred to you that there's no pedestrian traffic because it is so unsafe? I mean, it will never be 5th Ave, nor should it, but I've seen plenty of people walking in the road/grass down Northwest Expressway, including one man in a wheelchair who was rolling down the street in the road. Safe access like this doesn't need to be bustling with people at all times to make it valuable and an alternative option to the deathtrap that NW Expwy currently is...

Agree with this 100 percent. Over the years I've seen lots of people walking in the median. Crazy to think this is a bad idea for whatever reason.

They have opened all the lanes of traffic on NWE and removed the barricades on that were closing off the right most turn lane of Wilshire. The ramps to the bridge are still blocked off, but the streets are now back to their normal configuration.

Does any one know what is currently holding up this bridge from opening? It has been 4 months since they opened up the streets below the bridge but so far it still has tape/boards across the ramps leading up to the bridge.

Does any one know what is currently holding up this bridge from opening? It has been 4 months since they opened up the streets below the bridge but so far it still has tape/boards across the ramps leading up to the bridge.
I think I read somewhere weeks ago that it's about some parts for the safety railing that they can't get.

i think i've seen the lights for this bridge on maybe two or three times since it's been completed which is hilarious considering they look just like simple bulbs. i like the idea of more pedestrian crossings across expressway but perhaps not in this exact style. i wish they would do something about the bare concrete and commission some local artists. hopefully it gets some use soon!

There will be a ceremonial opening of this bridge Wednesday at 10 AM.

There will be a ceremonial opening of this bridge Wednesday at 10 AM.

Lol I rode past it this weekend and they did a better job of blocking it off then the simple 2x4 that was there previously. Ill be glad once the bike lanes on wilshire are replaced with an actual MUP. The bike lanes are okay but I can see how others might feel unsafe there.

They should at least make the bike lanes on Wilshire protected.

pics :)

Press release:

*************

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/nwex060723a.jpg

Iconic pedestrian bridge opens over NW Expressway
06/7/2022

Oklahoma City took another step towards becoming a more pedestrian and cycling-friendly community today by opening a 121-foot pedestrian bridge over NW Expressway Blvd near Wilshire.

The bridge provides safe passage for walkers, cyclists and runners on the 7.8-mile Hefner – Overholser Trail which runs from Britton Road at Lake Hefner Drive to NW 39th Street at Overholser Drive.

“This bridge provides an important and safe connection for the hundreds of thousands of people who use our world-class trails system every year,” said Mayor David Holt. “I thank the voters for approving this bridge and for continuing to invest in opportunities for physical activity and alternative transit.”

The Bridge’s design concept represents classic cars from the 40s, 50s and 60s and nearby airports, Wiley Post and Clarence E Page.

The $5.3 million project was funded by the 2007 Bond Program and the 2017 Better Streets Safer City Bond Program.

Look nice but it would have been even better if they could have also added stairs as well.

There are steps on the north side of the bridge.

I was thinking an elevator. Looks like quite the challenge for a non motorized wheel chair.

I was thinking an elevator. Looks like quite the challenge for a non motorized wheel chair.
Yeah I was thinking elevators would be nice too but that would surely require ongoing maintenance I wonder if it’s something they can do in the future.

I just saw the steps on the north side. Better one side than none I guess. Not sure why they didn’t add steps to the south part.

Yeah I was thinking elevators would be nice too but that would surely require ongoing maintenance I wonder if it’s something they can do in the future.

I cannot remember being in a publicly accessible elevator that aged well. It would be nice if it could be cleaned and maintained.

I don't understand why the ramp on the left side of the bridge in the photo had to be this complicated zig zag design whenever it could have just been a long ramp over Brookside Dr. connecting directly to the sidewalk/future multi-purpose trail.

I don't understand why the ramp on the left side of the bridge in the photo had to be this complicated zig zag design whenever it could have just been a long ramp over Brookside Dr. connecting directly to the sidewalk/future multi-purpose trail.

They wanted a BMX course.

I don't understand why the ramp on the left side of the bridge in the photo had to be this complicated zig zag design whenever it could have just been a long ramp over Brookside Dr. connecting directly to the sidewalk/future multi-purpose trail.

That would have required another bridge which would be very expensive to go over a street with just a fraction of the traffic on NW Expressway. Just using a ramp wouldn't have nearly enough clearance over the street.

That would have required another bridge which would be very expensive to go over a street with just a fraction of the traffic on NW Expressway. Just using a ramp wouldn't have nearly enough clearance over the street.

I think you make a good point, but when I compare the long ramp on the north side - which does allow for clearance over a private drive - to what was done on the south side, I just can't really see there being much of a material difference in cost or scope compared to what was ultimately built.

I think you make a good point, but when I compare the long ramp on the north side - which does allow for clearance over a private drive - to what was done on the south side, I just can't really see there being much of a material difference in cost or scope compared to what was ultimately built.

But it just isn't justified to cross what is essentially just a regular arterial street instead of a very high volume street like NW Expressway. I feel quite confident all of the options were considered before going with the final design.

It appears structural issues have reared their ugly head. They have now put in temporary structural support devices on the long ramp on the north side. It went in a few days ago. It covers a fairly large section near the top.

We live near it and while the look of the actual bridge is ok (retro car grill), this thing is an eyesore and looks out of place. I do feel sorry for the CDR business. Poor planning IMO and it now seems poor execution. Took forever to build and looks like a problem all around.

The lowest bidder cutting corners and ignoring ADA requirements. Sounds about right for Oklahoma City. On par with the construction of Plaza Towers elementary school in Moore that killed students due to a tornado strike.

We live near it and while the look of the actual bridge is ok (retro car grill), this thing is an eyesore and looks out of place. I do feel sorry for the CDR business. Poor planning IMO and it now seems poor execution. Took forever to build and looks like a problem all around.

This. It’s ugly and poorly designed.

Let's spend a fortune making pedestrian bridge that most resembles a rat maze. And even better, let's make it car themed, as viewed from the perspective of cars.

Let's spend a fortune making pedestrian bridge that most resembles a rat maze. And even better, let's make it car themed, as viewed from the perspective of cars.

I hope cars are driven on NW EXPWY.

I hope cars are not driven on the bridge either!

The lowest bidder cutting corners and ignoring ADA requirements. Sounds about right for Oklahoma City. On par with the construction of Plaza Towers elementary school in Moore that killed students due to a tornado strike.

There is no indication that they ignored ADA requirements and would not have gotten approval for such a design. Why do you think they ignored ADA requirements?

The lowest bidder cutting corners and ignoring ADA requirements. Sounds about right for Oklahoma City. On par with the construction of Plaza Towers elementary school in Moore that killed students due to a tornado strike.

That’s quite the leap to tie the two together.

The lowest bidder cutting corners and ignoring ADA requirements. Sounds about right for Oklahoma City. On par with the construction of Plaza Towers elementary school in Moore that killed students due to a tornado strike.

You have freedom of speech, yet use it to post this logic?

How long can a ramp be ADA?
If the slope of a ramp is between 1:12 and 1:16, the maximum rise shall be 30 inches (760 mm) and the maximum horizontal run shall be 30 feet (9 m). If the slope of the ramp is between 1:16 and 1:20, the maximum rise shall be 30 inches (760 mm) and the maximum horizontal run shall be 40 feet (12 m).

How steep can ADA ramp be?
What do the slope requirements for curb ramps and ramps mean? Slope is the ratio of the height of a ramp to its length. An ADA curb ramp must have no more than a 1:12 ratio, or no greater than a 8.33% slope. The ADA also requires slopes to be consistent from end to end; a ramp must have a uniform slope.

What is the ADA slope exception?
Ramp runs shall have a running slope not steeper than 1:12. EXCEPTION: In existing sites, buildings, and facilities, ramps shall be permitted to have running slopes steeper than 1:12 complying with Table 405.2 where such slopes are necessary due to space limitations.

Anyone feel like going out there with a tape measure?

I'm guessing the saggy part that looks like the George Bush Turnpike down in Dallas has too much undulation for the ADA uniform slope requirement shown in paragraph 2 above. And that is why it is temporarily jacked up?

I'm guessing the saggy part that looks like the George Bush Turnpike down in Dallas has too much undulation for the ADA uniform slope requirement shown in paragraph 2 above. And that is why it is temporarily jacked up?

I don't think the issue has anything to do with ADA issues. The area that is braced up is the span over the entrance to CDR Electronics. I think it is more of an issue of a "too wide" span without sufficient support pillars. The rest of the ramp has pillars every 10 feet or so....this section has about 20 feet without a pillar. But that is my opinion.

I rode this the other day on my bike, and while I still wish the south side was a long ramp over the residential street, the zig-zag was not as hard to navigate as I expected.

I don't think the issue has anything to do with ADA issues. The area that is braced up is the span over the entrance to CDR Electronics. I think it is more of an issue of a "too wide" span without sufficient support pillars. The rest of the ramp has pillars every 10 feet or so....this section has about 20 feet without a pillar. But that is my opinion.

I can't find it now but there was a story on KFOR.com that said the issue had to do with ADA compliance and that the bridge would remain open through the correction.

.....

https://kfor.com/news/local/long-awaited-oklahoma-city-bridge-runs-into-problem-more-construction/

Per my other post: The ADA also requires slopes to be consistent from end to end; a ramp must have a uniform slope.

Visually it seemed like the long ramp had a slope, then leveled out then sloped again. Just a guess though. I haven't been on it.

https://kfor.com/news/local/long-awaited-oklahoma-city-bridge-runs-into-problem-more-construction/

Per my other post: The ADA also requires slopes to be consistent from end to end; a ramp must have a uniform slope.

Visually it seemed like the long ramp had a slope, then leveled out then sloped again. Just a guess though. I haven't been on it.
That's the story I couldn't find.

This project just keeps getting worse and worse the longer it goes on. I am all for better cyclist and pedestrian infrastructure in OKC. Personally, I feel like this bridge is pissing in the wind in its efforts to benefit cyclists and pedestrians since its inception. The fact they paid someone to draw up the plans, somebody approved it, it was built, and then it wasn't ADA compliant drives me up the freaking wall. Who needs to get a stern talking to about not wasting tax payer money? This is just an absolutely silly and stupid problem to have for a project in a city of this size. I would expect something like this to happen in bum **** Okemah.

https://kfor.com/news/local/long-awaited-oklahoma-city-bridge-runs-into-problem-more-construction/

Per my other post: The ADA also requires slopes to be consistent from end to end; a ramp must have a uniform slope.

Visually it seemed like the long ramp had a slope, then leveled out then sloped again. Just a guess though. I haven't been on it.

in that case would it not be 2 separate ramps ... with a landing inbetween ..

thus fine via ADA ?? ?

https://kfor.com/news/local/long-awaited-oklahoma-city-bridge-runs-into-problem-more-construction/

Per my other post: The ADA also requires slopes to be consistent from end to end; a ramp must have a uniform slope.

Visually it seemed like the long ramp had a slope, then leveled out then sloped again. Just a guess though. I haven't been on it.

You have to read between the lines. They wouldn't have added shoring if it was just an ADA issue. What really happened is someone complained about the sloping. The city investigated and it was determined that the ramp was sagging. Not being ADA compliant sounds better than structural failure in a press release.

Edit: Structural failure is probably a strong word. Its kind of like what happen with those turnpike bridges on the west side of town that OTA eventually fixed.

You have to read between the lines. They wouldn't have added shoring if it was just an ADA issue. What really happened is someone complained about the sloping. The city investigated and it was determined that the ramp was sagging. Not being ADA compliant sounds better than structural failure in a press release.


I believe you are spot on. If it was just an issue of the slope and ADA, they would not have closed the entrance to CDR and then installed bracing over the whole span. It certainly appears that there is a structural issue with that span. A sag, or cracking. They didn't close the ramp, which also says to me it isn't and ADA issue of too much slope. It that were the case, I would think the prudent thing would have been to close it to prevent an individual in a wheel chair from getting hurt.

The last two posts make sense. I wonder if it can be as easy as adding another support structure under where the span was too long. I know in a building you can jack up a sagging beam, add pier and support under the beam and be good. I don't know about a concrete structure like the bridge ramp.

I would like to hear from someone that tried to go up that north ramp in a non motorized wheel chair what it was like. I'm surprised CDR Electronics isn't complaining more about loosing their store's visibility. They mention it in the KFOR article but seem to think it won't effect their business that much. Even the blocking one entrance to their parking lot now with the supports. They put up with a lot with the long construction.

The last two posts make sense. I wonder if it can be as easy as adding another support structure under where the span was too long. I know in a building you can jack up a sagging beam, add pier and support under the beam and be good. I don't know about a concrete structure like the bridge ramp.

It would be in the middle of the CDR entrance. However, you could make the argument its an unnecessary curb cut. What they will most likely do is completely redo that section with more rebar the second time around.

It would be in the middle of the CDR entrance. However, you could make the argument its an unnecessary curb cut. What they will most likely do is completely redo that section with more rebar the second time around.While I'm not a civil engineer I don't think replacing the deck with more rebar is going to be sufficient. I think it has to have a pier added or dome sort of truss or cantilever.

It has been over 10 months since the temporary bracing was placed under the longer span of the north side ramp, and nothing more has been done to correct the issue, whatever it is. Has anyone heard what is going on and why the delay?

After the ped bridge that fell in Miami killing 6 a few years ago, l am sure they are going to do everything to ensure that wouldn't happen in OKC.

Drove under it today and the “trail” was closed meaning the bike part of it. The stairs were still open. Why do I feel like this will be torn down in a few years as it isn’t functional?

Press release:

*************

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/nwex060723a.jpg

Iconic pedestrian bridge opens over NW Expressway
06/7/2022

Oklahoma City took another step towards becoming a more pedestrian and cycling-friendly community today by opening a 121-foot pedestrian bridge over NW Expressway Blvd near Wilshire.

The bridge provides safe passage for walkers, cyclists and runners on the 7.8-mile Hefner – Overholser Trail which runs from Britton Road at Lake Hefner Drive to NW 39th Street at Overholser Drive.

“This bridge provides an important and safe connection for the hundreds of thousands of people who use our world-class trails system every year,” said Mayor David Holt. “I thank the voters for approving this bridge and for continuing to invest in opportunities for physical activity and alternative transit.”

The Bridge’s design concept represents classic cars from the 40s, 50s and 60s and nearby airports, Wiley Post and Clarence E Page.

The $5.3 million project was funded by the 2007 Bond Program and the 2017 Better Streets Safer City Bond Program.

You can see the sinking span even in this picture. I don't know what happen here. Kind of wonder if they originally wanted to close off that entrance, but were pressured to keep it open and the engineers were struggling to value engineer a span that fits that length.

They should just close that entrance and put in another pier.

Why do I feel like this will be torn down in a few years as it isn’t functional?

You mean the ramp? They should be able fix it somehow. How much will it cost is the question.

They are currently working on the bridge as I type this. Work started on Friday as I drove home from work. Workers were back at 7:15 this morning as I drove in.

As of 5 PM Wednesday 7/17, the shored-up span of the north ramp had been removed.

From the City of OKC's FB page:


The NW Expressway pedestrian bridge is temporarily closed for repairs.

During the final inspection of the bridge, a portion was found not to be ADA compliant. The section that is non-compliant will be repaired during this closure.

The closure is expected to last through the first part of August, subject to weather and other factors.

Pedestrians and cyclists should use the traffic light crosswalk at NW Expressway and Brookside Drive/Wilshire Boulevard during the closure.

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/pedestrian071824a.jpg

They are still using the ADA compliant spin. That just makes it sound like they would have been fine with the sagging concrete span(that required shoring) if it wasn't for an ADA compliance issue.

The section that was supported on scaffolding has now been removed.

That picture just reinforces what a POS that bridge is from design to implementation.

The bridge is back open. Also looks like they are installing steel grates around the base of the concrete walls on the bottom. I assume it is to prevent encampment by the homeless. The grates have "Oklahoma City" designed in them.