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, they were re-attached to the new deck to keep the historic aesthetic. They even got cleaned up a bit!”
Jerry McClanahan also noted the completion of the project earlier this month:
The reconstruction project began in April.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation told Route 66 News 15 years ago about the project, where the essential appearance of the Captain Creek Bridge would be preserved. The actual construction took longer than anyone anticipated, but give credit for ODOT for keeping its word.
ODOT also is updating the iconic William H. Murray Bridge, aka the Pony Bridge, near Bridgeport the same way: Rebuild and widen the deck to modern standards, then reattach its distinctive yellow trusses on the side. That way, Route 66 enthusiasts and history buffs still can experience the bridge while driving across it.
The association is hosting a cruise of the Pony Bridge from 9 to 11 a.m. Sept. 25, starting from El Reno High School in El Reno, crossing the bridge and ending in Weatherford. The association wants people to experience the bridge before it closes in early 2022 for the reconstruction project. It’s anticipated the Pony Bridge will be finished and reopened before 2026, which is Route 66’s centennial year.
The cruise is free, but organizers want people to register here so they have a better idea of how many people will show up. The first 30 registrants will receive goodie bags from the El Reno Main Street program.
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This is great… public safety and preserving history.