The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) has awarded a US$97-million contract to Crossland Construction for the construction of what will become the longest bridge in the state.
The 2km-long structure will cross the Canadian River between Portland Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue as part of the East-West Connector Turnpike project under the US$8.2-billion ACCESS Oklahoma programme.
The new bridge is a key component of the 15-year initiative to improve regional connectivity by linking Interstate 44 with Interstate 35. It will provide a safer and more efficient route for drivers traveling between McClain and Cleveland counties, easing congestion and supporting economic growth in the Oklahoma City metro area.
The existing corridor has long been identified as a bottleneck for traffic and freight movement. OTA says the design will minimise environmental impact, with piers placed outside the river channel and strict monitoring to protect water quality and threatened habitats.
The contract was awarded on 9 December after bids came in significantly below the engineer’s estimate. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026, starting with river work before expanding outward. Completion is expected in late 2027, with phased traffic management planned to reduce disruption.
