TULSA, Okla. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District announced plans for the replacement of the aging Highway 151 Bridge over Keystone Dam at a cost of $15.6 million. Kiewit Infrastructure South Company of Omaha, Neb. will do the construction work.
Speed of construction factored into every element of the innovative and atypical bridge. The design uses precast concrete components to increase the speed of construction. Elements will be precast at fabrication plant facilities and shipped to the worksite, reducing the time on site it typically takes to form and cure elements. Elements can also be constructed simultaneously, reducing lag time waiting for one element to be completed before starting the next.
The bridge closed to traffic Oct. 28, 2013 and will remain closed for up to 13 months, requiring detours. Kiewit will be responsible to implement traffic control measures. Updated traffic information will be available at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) traffic webpage www.okladot.state.ok.us/newsmedia/traffic-advisory.htm.
An engineering analysis found that the bridge, built in 1964, is at the end of its useful life. Not replacing the bridge could risk an unplanned extended closure that could last longer than this planned project.
This bridge project is an example of the partnership between the federal and state government. With limited federal funding available, ODOT contributed $6 million after bid proposals exceeded available funds.
Areas around Keystone Dam will experience construction traffic and some recreation access points may be impacted. Most day use and camping facilities will remain available to the public. Fishing will continue to be available below the dam, however Kiewit will have construction equipment in the area and visitors should be cognizant of the clearly marked construction areas closed to the public. Boating will continue to be available on Keystone Lake
Information about the project is available in the “Project Spotlight” section at www.swt.usace.mil.
-30-
Release no. 22