From 1,200 to 45: Oklahoma's journey in improving bridge conditions since 2002 I-40 collapse

A year ago, six construction workers lost their lives when a cargo ship struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. It hit close to home as a similar incident happened in Webbers Falls in 2002 when a barge crashed into the I-40 bridge. Since then, Oklahoma has made major strides in bridge safety and infrastructure. Here’s a breakdown of where things stand today:

The 2002 Webbers Falls Bridge Collapse

1. Date: May 2002
2. Cause: A Tugboat hauling two barges hit the I-40 bridge over the Arkansas River
3. Result: Vehicles plunged into the water, killing 14 people. 
4. At the time, Oklahoma had over 1,200 structurally deficient bridges

Oklahoma’s Bridge Improvements

1. Current number of structurally deficient bridges: 45
2. Major Rehabilitation Projects in the State: 1,989 between 2006 and October 2024

ODOT’s Response & Safety Measures

1. Pier protections added to reduce impact damage
2. Life cycle analysis used to monitor aging bridges and prioritize repairs

National Bridge Safety Concerns A Year After the Fransis Scott Key Bridge Collapsed

1. NTSB-flagged bridges: 68 bridges across 19 states
2. Notable bridges on the list: Golden Gate Bridge (CA), Brooklyn Bridge (NY), Sunshine Skyway Bridge (FL)
3. Oklahoma’s status: Not on the list of states with at-risk bridges

What Officials Say

Tim Gatz, Executive Director of ODOT:

1. On national impact: “A bridge hit like that affects an entire nation. These transportation systems are important for the well-being of the United States.”
2. On Oklahoma’s efforts: “We’ve got to make sure we are keeping an eye on aging infrastructure. We’ve got work to do ahead of us and must make those investments.”

Oklahoma’s bridge safety has come a long way, but ongoing maintenance remains critical, Gatz says. ODOT continues prioritizing repairs to ensure public safety and prevent future disasters.