Oklahoma: U.S. Highway 62 Bridge

The Road to Prosperity Runs Through the Heartland

Challenge: The city of Muskogee in northeast Oklahoma has big plans. Its port along the Arkansas River has attracted new industry and jobs to the area. But as the city plans for growth, a critical infrastructure challenge has emerged. The U.S. Highway 62 bridge over the Arkansas River, a vital artery connecting communities and carrying commerce was showing major signs of wear and tear. Its two, 60-year-old spans were functionally obsolete and beginning to show their age, needing repairs such as beam replacement, that made full replacement more feasible. Other nearby river crossings which support waterborne freight traffic have been damaged by barges.

The Solution: With help from the federal infrastructure investment law, the state is replacing both the east and westbound spans of the U.S. Highway 62 bridge as well as bridges over 55th St. on the east side of the river. The upgrades are an investment in the economic future of the region and provide a solid foundation for continued growth and development.

What They’re Saying: “ODOT Spokesperson Brenda Perry Clark told FOX23 when the project began that it needed to happen because the areas are ‘functionally obsolete,’ and traffic can’t flow as effectively because of the current shoulders and narrow bridge width.” (Fox 23, 03/20/2023)