ODOT shuts down viaduct bridge; traffic being detoured

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Update – The viaduct bridge on Highway 33 was reopened after ODOT repair a buckle that
was cause by the extreme temperatures.

Original Story

Early Wednesday evening the Oklahoma Department of Transportation closed down the viaduct bridge on Highway 33 after a police officer noticed the bridge had buckled.

Photo By Chris Evans

The heavily traveled viaduct, that connects the east side of Guthrie to the west side of town, buckled about a third of the way up the bridge. The extreme, hot temperatures over the last several days is the blame for the bridge to expand and buckle.

According to the Guthrie Police Department, the buckle is about the size of a large speed bump.

The bridge was built in the 1930’s by the WPA.

Highway traffic detours have been set up at State Highway 33 and 74, along with State Highway 33 and 77. For local traffic, Oklahoma Avenue and College detours have been set up.

ODOT plans to be in Guthrie early Thursday morning to start repairing the bridge. Early reports indicate the bridge could be open as late as Thursday evening, but may linger as long as 48 hours. See updates below!

ODOT, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration is proposing to improve SH-33 through the City of Guthrie. The proposed improvements include reconstruction of the Cottonwood Creek bridge and a portion on each side of the structure.

The reconstruction will improve safety and access through the town as recommended by the department.

The project is estimated to cost $16.4 million with right-of-ways, utility relocation and acquiring land set to begin in 2012. Construction of the highway could begin as early as October 2014, but is likely to start after the proposed date. Related story: ODOT updates citizens of Highway 33 reconstruction plan

Updates

10:10 a.m. Thursday – an early update from ODOT indicates the bridge will not be open back up until Friday evening.

11:30 a.m. Thursday – The extreme heat is interfering with their ability to pour the concrete
necessary for repairs.

7: 22 p.m. Thursday – Photo Gallery – Day One Bridge Repair On Viaduct

7:30 a.m. Friday – concrete has been poured over night and is now waiting to dry. Viaduct expected to be open sometime today.

1:00 p.m. Friday – Viaduct could be open as early as 4:30 p.m.

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