Bridge Plan Linking Bixby, Jenks Takes Steps Forward After 20 Years

After 20 years, there's finally some movement on an idea for a new bridge connecting Jenks and South Tulsa.

The bridge near 131st St. is still in the pre-planning phases, but a vote a Tuesday's Indian Nations Council of Governments meeting sets in motion a study that's been holding the project back.

A lot of planning and studies go into any major project - but even the planning phases cost money.

The lack of funding has held back a new bridge project connecting south Tulsa and Jenks for two decades.

“Prior to today’s vote, it’s been a lot of discussion. I guess for the first time you could say we have a wheel that’s in motion," said Jenks Mayor, Cory Box.

No one municipality wanted to pay the cost of the engineering and traffic study needed.

Bixby Mayor Brian Guthrie said the joint agreement and funding from the Indian Nations Council of Governments makes it possible.

"Today we’ve got funding to actually do the study, and that’s what we’ve needed," Guthrie said.

The proposed bridge would span the Arkansas River - roughly in the area near 131st Street.

“There’s been a need for 20 years," Guthrie said. "But there’s never been a greater need than today. The growth in Bixby and in south Jenks as well is expanding and we need another, additional bridge crossing across the Arkansas River.”

Jenks Mayor Cory Box said traffic has to take longer routes to cross at bridges near 151st or 101st. He believes the bridge would benefit both Jenks and Bixby.

"There’s the potential here for responsible economic growth on both sides of the river," he said.

This study will help determine exactly where the bridge will be built, how traffic will be affected and how to pay for the bridge.