ODOT Plans To Repair I-244 Bridge Damaged By Truck By Thanksgiving

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation announced a plan Thursday to repair the I-244 bridge that was damaged when a truck hit it last Monday.

ODOT said the repairs required would normally take months, but plans to have the bridge closed through November 21. ODOT said the repairs have been scheduled in hopes of finishing by Thanksgiving.

Charles Page Boulevard, underneath the bridge, will also close Friday at 9 a.m. and will remain closed until the work is done.

The bridge was damaged Monday when the driver of a Smithey Environmental Services truck attempted to go under the bridge while the hydraulically-lifted ramp on the back was up.

ODOT estimated the cost for the repair contract with Manhattan Road & Bridge to be $450,000. They said they expect to recover all costs incurred from the driver who hit the bridge Monday.

Drivers are encouraged to avoid that area if possible.

10/15/2012 Related Story: Traffic Detoured After Container Truck Damages Downtown Tulsa Bridge