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Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Public Affairs
Division
Phone: 405-521-6000, Fax: 405-521-2524
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
I-40 Bridge Hit Update for June 7
Work on demolition of the bridge resumed yesterday at 5:20 p.m. Crews are working to remove the deck on the westbound bridge - starting to work on Span 4. Work continues at a good pace as about 75% of the demolition is complete.
Additional barges arrived this morning that have been brought in to help stabilize the two barges that hit the bridge, however they have not been placed or positioned yet.
ODOT crews continue to monitor the detour routes to ensure motorist's safety. We were notified late today about a detour change for all truck traffic. All truck traffic on eastbound I-40 should travel SH-9 through Spiro on through to Ft. Smith.
The damaging of the I-40 bridge has affected Oklahoma's accessibility during the tourism season. In-state vacationers can still pretty much get to where they want to go with advance planning. If the traffic and travel difficulties around the bridge site are too much trouble for some travelers to deal with, there are still dozens of places to visit in the state. The Department of Tourism and Recreation can provide a wealth of possibilities.
We would appreciate your assistance by referring people to the ODOT website when planning travel routes. The address is: www.okladot.state.ok.us