Groundbreaking ceremony held for two-year project to replace Pony Bridge near Bridgeport

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation on Wednesday held a groundbreaking ceremony on a two-year, $35 million project to widen the historic Pony Bridge near Bridgeport but preserve the span's distinctive pony trusses. ODOT sent out this tweet from the scene: Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell & Oklahoma History Center Director Trait Thompson joined Secretary of Transportation … Continue reading Groundbreaking ceremony held for two-year project to replace Pony Bridge near Bridgeport

Pony Bridge in western Oklahoma to close on Oct. 31 for at least two years

The landmark Pony Bridge near Bridgeport, Oklahoma, will be closed to traffic for at least two years next Monday as it undergoes extensive improvements that will preserve it distinctive trusses. Oklahoma Route 66 Association President Rhys Martin announced the imminent closure in an email Friday: We have known this day is coming for a long … Continue reading Pony Bridge in western Oklahoma to close on Oct. 31 for at least two years

Oklahoma unveils new U.S. Bicycle Route 66 bicycle signs that will be posted

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation recently unveiled a new U.S. Bicycle Route 66 that will be installed along nearly 400 miles of the historic highway in the state. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation debuted the newly approved road sign for U.S. Bicycle Route 66 in Oklahoma. Pictured, from left, are ODOT Multimodal Division Manager Jared … Continue reading Oklahoma unveils new U.S. Bicycle Route 66 bicycle signs that will be posted

Oklahoma issues guidelines for entities to paint Route 66 shield on pavement

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation recently issued pavement-marking guidelines for cities and counties along Route 66 before the highway's centennial in 2026. According to an ODOT news release posted by the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, the guidance came after several entities requested it. The 21-foot by 8-foot black and white markings will be approved by … Continue reading Oklahoma issues guidelines for entities to paint Route 66 shield on pavement

Reconstruction of Pony Bridge near Bridgeport won’t start until June

Those traveling Route 66 during the first half of 2022 have good news: The reconstruction project that will close the Pony Bridge near Bridgeport, Oklahoma, for at least two years won't begin until June. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association on Facebook passed along the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's updated word about the bridge project this … Continue reading Reconstruction of Pony Bridge near Bridgeport won’t start until June

New U.S. 81 Rock Island Bridge that pays tribute to Route 66 opens in El Reno

State and local officials on Friday held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of a new U.S. 81 Rock Island Bridge in El Reno, Oklahoma, that pays tribute to the original span's Route 66 history. According to the El Reno Tribune, the ceremony for the new $10 million bridge included a performance by the … Continue reading New U.S. 81 Rock Island Bridge that pays tribute to Route 66 opens in El Reno

Captain Creek Bridge in Wellston is reopened after reconstruction

The historic Captain Creek Bridge along an alignment of Route 66 in Wellston, Oklahoma, recently reopened after the state's Department of Transportation improved and reconstructed the span using its original pony trusses. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association on Facebook noted the completion of the project: "Although the original 1932 trusses no longer support the bridge, … Continue reading Captain Creek Bridge in Wellston is reopened after reconstruction

More details emerge on new Route 66 directional signs for Oklahoma

Oklahoma's largest newspaper uncovered new details about the new directional signs that will be installed along Route 66 this spring. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association last month announced the forthcoming signs, including its somewhat altered design. The Oklahoman, based in Oklahoma City, reported this on Monday: The Oklahoma Department of Transportation will replace about 80 … Continue reading More details emerge on new Route 66 directional signs for Oklahoma

Oklahoma invites public comments on Pony Bridge redevelopment

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is asking for opinions on a future project to rehabilitate the U.S. 281 bridge, aka the Pony Bridge, over the South Canadian River near Bridgeport. The nearly 4,000-foot-long William H. Murray Bridge, built in 1934, is on the National Register of Historic Places and appeared in a scene of the … Continue reading Oklahoma invites public comments on Pony Bridge redevelopment

$22M federal grant will reconstruct Pony Bridge near Bridgeport

The U.S. Department of Transportation has given Oklahoma a $22 million grant to help rehab and reconstruct the historic Pony Bridge near Bridgeport, which includes keeping its distinctive yellow trusses. The Oklahoman newspaper in Oklahoma City reports: “The investment made by the U.S. Department of Transportation to help restore and upgrade Bridgeport Bridge is welcomed … Continue reading $22M federal grant will reconstruct Pony Bridge near Bridgeport