************************************************************
Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Public Affairs
Division
Phone:
405-521-6000, Fax: 405-521-2524
************************************************************
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
I-40 Bridge Hit Update for June 5
* Crews continued breaking up the concrete on the
span in the water. This work will continue tonight. Depending on their
progress, they may also begin to remove this debris from the river.
* The preliminary work on the eastern portions of
the bridge began today on the span resting on the barges. They are using the
concrete shears to remove portions of the bridge decking. This is a very slow
process but work is proceeding as planned. Both the bridge and the barges are
reacting as anticipated. This work will continue this evening until dark and
will resume in the morning.
* At this time, we have moved approximately 2,000
tons of debris to a staging area located at the site for removal at a later
date. The disposal of this debris is the responsibility of the contractor.
*To maintain the traffic flow and assure driver
safety, ODOT is keeping a close eye on the detour routes. Since the two-lane facilities weren’t designed for the heavy traffic flow, some bridges
are being upgraded and additional paving material will be overlaid. To keep
track of the actual number of vehicles, ODOT personnel are making up a traffic
count map, available soon, that will provide better information for planning
detour maintenance.
*
New digital photos of the site will be available later this evening on our
website, www.okladot.state.ok.us,
along with detour route information. We appreciate your assistance in referring
people to this site when planning travel routes.