In the interest of public safety, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District will close both lanes of the bridge over Kaw Dam, near Ponca City, Okla., effective now.
Motorists should use U.S. Route 60 as a detour.
Out of an abundance of caution, the Tulsa District determined closure is the most appropriate course of action and is actively working to develop and execute a repair plan. The anticipated reopening date has not yet been identified.
The closure does not affect flood operations or recreation areas.
The Kaw Dam bridge is located on Kaw Dam Road over the spillway.
While performing repairs, USACE personnel identified advanced degradation of some of the bridge bearings, which necessitated the bridge closure.
Bridge bearings are critical links between girders and support piers, and transfer loads while allowing for necessary movement caused by temperature changes, traffic and other forces to prevent stress buildup.
Kaw Dam was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1962 for flood control, hydropower, navigation, water supply, water quality, recreation and fish and wildlife. The Tulsa District completed construction in 1976.
