One of these days the city will get started on rebuilding the Walnut Avenue Bridge, but right now it appears that the project is way overbudget. Argh!
Come on people! This could be the grand entry to Bricktown!! Let's get the show on the road! Pay the price and let's get going before construction costs go even higher!
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"Troubles dog downtown bridge plan
Oklahoman Editorial
DELAYS HAVE been the name of the game when it comes to the Walnut Avenue Bridge, but it's time for the rebuilding to get started.
For years, Oklahoma City leaders had planned to remove the crumbling bridge linking Deep Deuce and Bricktown and replace it with a street-level crossing. That plan came to an abrupt halt more than three years ago when preservationists convinced the city council not only to spare the dilapidated bridge, but rebuild it.
Last month, the city closed the bridge after finding it unsafe. Now, just as it appeared construction would finally get started, another delay seems possible. The lowest reconstruction bid came in at nearly $4.3 million -- about $1 million more than voters authorized as part of a 1995 bond issue for the project.
It made more sense to build a street-level crossing than trying to return the bridge to its heyday form. But since that battle's been fought and lost, it's time to finally return the bridge to a usable condition and move forward with a companion project to improve the NW 6 exit off of Interstate 235.
The bridge, when opened, is a key link into Bricktown for people exiting I-235. After all of the public and private investment in the Bricktown area, it's the city's responsibility to ensure the area is accessible for motorists and pedestrians. The poor condition of the bridge and now its closure hinder accessibility.
It's in the city's best interest to complete the bridge and interstate exit projects sooner rather than later. "
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