Purcell and Lexington are only about 4,000 feet apart as the crow flies, but much farther as the car drives.
Travel between the communities now requires a 45-minute trip through the Oklahoma City suburbs after an emergency closure on Jan. 31 of the James C. Nance Memorial Bridge between the communities.
The cities have partnered with the Department of Transportation to provide a shuttle, but residents say not enough is being done.
The Purcell city manager says the trade impact has affected Purcell retailers by 35 to 50 percent and $150,000 to $200,000 has been lost in sales tax revenue.
Inspectors from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation found flaws in the bridge and the state subsequently declared a state of emergency to put the span back into service by Easter.
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