Saw this blurb related to the $410 billion spending bill just passed in Congress:
$380,000 for reconstruction and replacement of the Interstate 244 bridge over the Arkansas River, Tulsa. (with Inhofe)
I didn't know we were replacing this bridge, how is it going to be different? $380,000 doesn't seem like much money to replace a river bridge.
Quote from: SXSW on March 11, 2009, 09:59:27 AM
Saw this blurb related to the $410 billion spending bill just passed in Congress:
$380,000 for reconstruction and replacement of the Interstate 244 bridge over the Arkansas River, Tulsa. (with Inhofe)
I didn't know we were replacing this bridge, how is it going to be different? $380,000 doesn't seem like much money to replace a river bridge.
It might be piecemeal, or partial funding. Maybe it's coupling with other ODOT funds, maybe ODOT isn't ready yet.
More info on other Oklahoma projects funded through the Omnibus Bill at Tulsa World (http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20090311_16_A1_WASHIN801700). Includes link to the earmarks requested by Inhofe, Sullivan, Boren, and Fallin.
Maybe this an opportunity to create a more architecturally interesting bridge at this location?? Imagine some kind of interesting bridge like this:
(http://www.aaroads.com/midwest/indiana064/i-064_minton_bridge.jpg)
...replacing this (minus the rail bridge (unless it was integrated into the project), the old 66 bridge, and the SW Blvd. bridge) SW of downtown:
(http://www.urban-photos.com/gallery/albums/city_galleries/tulsa/tulsa_45_9439.jpg)
Its probably just a partial payment to doing something. Kind of like the dams and the multiple funding sources for those. "and we still dont have enough yet lol" The bill or funding source will say "50mill for designing/building... (insert project) ." Then when they try to get some more funding you hear all the dorkwads hollering "I thought we already paid or had the money for that!" They got SOME money but not all that it will take.
I don't think many people want the old 11th st Bridge (now Avery Bridge) taken out
Quote from: carltonplace on March 11, 2009, 02:52:40 PM
I don't think many people want the old 11th st Bridge (now Avery Bridge) taken out
+1. Isn't that why they built that replica bridge on the north side of it??
Isn't the Avery bridge an historic landmark? I would hope they just remove and rebuild the two bridges that make up I-244. It sounds like these bridges need to repaired anyway, why not build something fantastic with this opportunity?
Sorry, I mis-understood your post :P. I read it again and we are saying the same thing.