More Cracks Found In Closed Purcell-Lexington Bridge

Oklahoma Department of Transportation officials say additional cracks have been found on a bridge that connects two towns and has been closed since January.

Officials announced Tuesday during a news conference that two new cracks have developed on the 76-year-old bridge connecting Lexington and Purcell. The extra repair work is expected to cost an additional $1 million to $1.5 million, for a total project cost of about $15.5 million.

3/7/2014 Related Story: Purcell Businesses Fight To Keep Doors Open, Inspectors Find New Cracks In Bridge

State Department of Transportation Executive Director Mike Patterson says the new repair work is not expected to delay the scheduled June 14 re-opening of the bridge.

Engineer Casey Shell says the new cracks are near what are known as gusset plates. He says that's the same area that failed in a Minnesota bridge collapse in 2007 that killed 13 people.