ACEC-Oklahoma honors U.S.-77 Bridge design

Garver’s design of a new four-lane U.S.-77 Bridge over the Canadian River and BNSF Railroad re-opened a vital link between two Oklahoma cities. The project also showcased the ingenuity of Garver’s Transportation Team, after the Oklahoma Department of Transportation requested an accelerated project schedule following the closure of the original bridge, a historic landmark in operation since 1938.

Garver provided environmental, roadway, traffic, bridge, preliminary engineering and final design services for the 3,750-foot-long bridge, which opened in July 2019. For its providing ODOT with a final design on an accelerated timeline and contribution to the communities the bridge helps connect, the project earned an Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Oklahoma.

“The key to this project was our whole team being able to think on our feet after we learned the schedule had accelerated,” said Garver Transportation Project Manager Matthew Youngblood. “Once we found that out, we were able to analyze alternatives while at the same time designing the new bridge, a first for us and ODOT.”

Selected by ODOT in 2013 to analyze a feasibility and assessment of a three-phase design for a new bridge, Garver in 2014 was faced with a new timeline after ODOT discovered significant cracks in key structural components of the historic bridge. In response, ODOT closed the bridge, which created a 45-mile long detour for those commuting daily between Lexington and Purcell. Surrounding businesses were also impacted, and the governor declared a state of emergency.

Garver’s ability to perform all three phases of the project concurrently allowed the firm to deliver final design in 24 months. The new bridge featured modern amenities, while also paying tribute to the historical significance and design elements of the original bridge.

To learn more about what Garver’s Transportation Team can do for you, visit our Transportation services page.