KOTV in Tulsa posted an interesting story about the so-called Twin Bridges on Route 66 near Catoosa, Okla., and how the Route 66 community worldwide is watching closely to what happens to one of the dilapidated spans.
But first, there is a glaring error in the story. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation wants to replace only the westbound Bird Creek Bridge, which is nearly 80 years old. KOTV is erroneously reporting that ODOT wants to replace both bridges.
The eastbound bridge was built in the 1950s, and an ODOT official told me a few months ago that the eastbound bridge is “in good shape” and has no plans to replace it at this time.
The noteworthy part of the story is this:
As part of the process, ODOT has heard from Route 66 lovers from Arizona to Australia. Nearly all want the bridges [sic] character to stay intact.
“We have received several comments to that effect that they’d like to see us try to find a way to make it fit in with the setting better, and that’s something we’re considering,” said Sullivan. […]
ODOT says they have not made any decisions yet and they are consulting with preservationists about the new bridge. The new bridge is scheduled to be built in 2012.
I know ODOT is considering a more cosmetically pleasing bridge design. Whether the agency will ultimately choose that design is another matter. But it’s good that ODOT has heard from so many voices about this matter.