Oklahoma transportation officials say repair work on a closed bridge that connects Purcell and Lexington will take longer than expected and the bridge will remain closed indefinitely.
Transportation officials briefed members of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission Monday on the status of the repairs to the US 77-State Highway 39 bridge over the Canadian River.
The bridge was closed Jan. 31 after cracks were discovered in structural bridge beams. The commission awarded an emergency contract for bridge repairs, and work began Feb. 14.
Work was supposed to be complete in 45 days, but workers have discovered additional cracks that will affect the timeline of the reopening of the bridge.
The bridge's closure has caused a 45-minute detour for commuters who travel between two communities that are less than one mile apart.
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