PURCELL, Oklahoma - Four months after the James C. Nance Bridge that connects Lexington and Purcell closed, motorists got some good news. According to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, the bridge should be open on or around June 14.
Crews have been working on the bridge since it was deemed too unsafe to travel across by structural engineers. Cracks formed in areas of the bridge that carry the load. Engineers believed the bridge showed cracking because of the manganese alloy used, which weakened over time.
Since the bridge abruptly closed on February 1, thousands of drivers have had to make a 70-mile round trip detour instead of the usual one mile trip.
Motorists said they were optimistic that the bridge would be opened soon, but many said they would not hold their breath. On the other hand, an ODOT spokeswoman told News 9 the plan is to move these barricades and reopen the bridge. However, big trucks will not be able to cross as police monitor the bridge making sure nothing too heavy tries to cross.
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Crews Working Hard To Open Purcell Bridge On Time - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports |
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