Choctaw Officials Host Ribbon Cutting

Contact: Commissioner Jim Roth
Phone: (405) 713-1501

Oklahoma County (April 11, 2006) – District One County Commissioner Jim Roth and Choctaw Mayor Randy Ross attended a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday evening to celebrate the re-opening of a bridge over a tributary of Choctaw Creek. The bridge is located approximately one-half mile south of NE 10th Street on Choctaw Road. Both Roth and Ross noted that Choctaw Road serves as a major north – south artery within Choctaw.

According to Roth, officials from the City of Choctaw requested a special inspection of the structure in the fall of 2005. The inspection, conducted by Cobb Engineering, revealed the structure, built in 1970, had a low sufficiency rating of 27.3 and had suffered major termite damage. The report made several recommendations including, treating for termites, lowering the posted limit of the bridge to 5 tons, which is below the acceptable limit for school buses, and replacement of the structure.

The work to remove the old structure dubbed the “termite bridge,” as well as the construction of the new bridge was completed by forces from Oklahoma County District 1. The project began February 13, 2006 and was completed on March 29, 2006. “It was important for us to get this bridge replaced quickly,” Roth said. “Safe roads and bridges, especially those traveled by our school buses are a top priority for the City of Choctaw and Oklahoma County,” Roth continued. Mayor Randy Ross added, “This project is a great example of the cooperation between two jurisdictions to identify and quickly correct a critical infrastructure need.”

The approximate cost of the project was $115,000 and was funded by Oklahoma County District 1. Roth explained the repairs would be eligible for reimbursement under a program administered by the State Department of Transportation (ODOT). Under the program, ODOT will reimburse the County from the County Bridge and Road Improvement (CBRI) Fund up to $100,000 for labor, equipment, and materials expended on the project. Bridge projects receiving CBRI fund reimbursement must have a minimum width of 24 feet, a minimum 20 ton rating, professionally engineered, and must utilize county personnel.

Roth and City Manager Robert Floyd announced the city and county have agreed to partner for a future widening of the bridge to four lanes. Mayor Randy Ross said of the announcement, “It is important to plan for the future, we will continue to look for future partnerships with the county in the years to come.” Funds for the new project, which could begin as early as FY’ 2008-09, will come from Oklahoma County District 1 and Choctaw’s recently renewed penny-sales tax.

In addition to Mayor Randy Ross, City Manager Robert Floyd, and Commissioner Jim Roth, the event was attended by several District 1 employees involved in the project. Several other officials from the City of Choctaw were scheduled to attend, including Council Members Ron Bradshaw, Bill Filler, Jeanie Abts, Roger Malone, Dave Howe, Larry Goeller, and Public Works Director Bernie Nauheimer.