‘CRITICAL FINDING:’ Fort Gibson Dam bridge closed until further notice due to increased degradation

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) says the State Highway 251A bridge over the Fort Gibson dam is closed until further notice.

Update To This Story: Engineer explains why Fort Gibson Dam Bridge is closed indefinitely: 'Public safety is top priority'

The bridge runs along the Wagoner County and Cherokee County line.

ODOT says the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) made a critical finding along the bridge, prompting the closure. They said the report "identified increased degradation of the bridge sections and components."

“We have been tracking and addressing deficiencies at the Fort Gibson Spillway Bridge,” said Patrick Shoopman, P.E. Tulsa District, Bridge Safety Program Manager. “We were surprised at the speed of degradation since the last inspection in November 2024.”

The USACE performed a special bridge inspection last week, prompting engineers to recommend closure.

“We understand this closure will inconvenience residents and visitors to the area and we ask for your patience while we address these issues,” said Shoopman. “Infrastructure maintenance and inspections are vital aspects of public safety, and this situation highlights the importance of our bridge inspection program.”

Detours available for drivers now that State Highway 251A over Fort Gibson dam is closed:

Drivers will have to find another route across Fort Gibson Lake. Travelers can detour up to Wagoner or Hulbert and take State Highway 51 across the lake. Drivers can also head south to Fort Gibson and cross the Arkansas River either at the Grand River Bridge or Highway 62.

ODOT says plans were already in place for a bridge replacement project, which is tentatively scheduled for 2026.

Related: ODOT's 8-Year Construction Work Plan & Interactive Map

The state department says it is now working with USACE to figure out if a temporary repair could make the bridge safe enough to reopen until the full replacement gets underway.

Image Provided By: Griffin Media

More on Oklahoma bridges:

1. From 1,200 to 45: Oklahoma's journey in improving bridge conditions
2. OTA begins bridge repair projects on turnpikes near Muskogee, Sapulpa
3. ODOT director addresses stability of Oklahoma bridges following Maryland bridge collapse
4. 'We've come a long way:' ODOT says Oklahoma bridge safety has improved since 2002 I-40 bridge collapse