Apr 12, 20232 min read

New Olympic Rated Bridges Connect South OKC with the North

Plans are progressing for a new suspension bridge for I-35 across the Oklahoma River just south of downtown.

As a part of that project, a multi-modal pedestrian path is to be built on the west side of the bridge which will include an outlook area over the river and future rowing events.

In order for the I-35 bridges to create a wide center span over the river, preliminary plans show suspension arches that would be illuminated by multi-color lighting.

The span would allow for Class A course dimensions according to U.S. Rowing regulations, with room for seven 13.5-meter lanes (or eight 12-meter lanes) with a 5-meter buffer between the outer lanes and piers. There will also be a 14-foot clearance above the water surface to allow for motorized boat traffic.

To the east, plans are moving forward for a pedestrian bridge over the river near the OKANA project. In addition to connecting the north and south shores of the river, it would also connect the river paths.

Renderings show the bridge would be very near the OKANA hotel and serve as a viewing point for the starting dock of 2K rowing events. That section of the river is set to be drained late this year so construction can commence.

Near the booming Wheeler District to the west of Western, the City is still planning to convert an old railway bridge into another pedestrian path.

Although only conceptual, a fourth pedestrian has been shown connecting the lower section of Scissortail Park with the newly renovated Wiley Post Park on the south shore.

Work is nearing completion on an extension to the river path on the north shore of the river that will tie into the Katy Trail and effectively provide a massive loop all the way around Oklahoma City from the river, to Lake Overholser, to Lake Hefner, along Deep Fork Creek and then back south towards the river.