OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Drivers in Oklahoma City are voicing growing concerns about the deteriorating condition of the NE 13th Street bridge, which spans over I-235, near the busy OU Health area. Many commuters who use the bridge daily say the damage is becoming more apparent and that the bridge is posing a potential safety hazard.
One local driver, Donovan Lewis, shared his worries with News 4, stating that he travels across the bridge every day. “It’s a sad time. It’s changed for the worse,” Lewis said, describing the damage he encounters regularly. He pointed out the presence of broken cement blocks scattered across the roadway and noted that the bridge’s condition has only worsened over time.
Lewis, like many others, expressed concern for the safety of those using the bridge. “It’s the main way for a lot of people,” he said. “There’s trash, there’s debris, there’s rubble. It’s just not a safe spot.”
Upon inspection by News 4, broken cement blocks were visible on the bridge, and holes were left where pieces of concrete had fallen off. Some sections underneath the bridge have also experienced damage, with pieces of concrete falling dangerously close to the highway below.
“There’s so many people out here who spend their entire lives right in this spot,” Lewis added. “People deserve something nice to look at, and I would just like to see a safer way for people to travel.”
In response to the concerns raised by the public, News 4 reached out to both the City of Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) for comment. Both agencies confirmed that they had not previously received any complaints about the bridge’s condition.
According to ODOT, their inspection of the bridge revealed no safety risks or damage to the portion of the structure that affects the highway underneath. They noted that while cracks and broken pieces are visible on the upper part of the bridge, these do not pose a current threat to drivers on I-235.
The City of Oklahoma City, which is responsible for maintaining the top portion of the bridge, echoed ODOT’s statement, acknowledging some broken curbs but asserting that no significant damage had been found. Public Works crews were sent to clean up the debris, and the city is monitoring the situation.
Despite these assurances from both agencies, Lewis and other concerned residents feel that more action is needed to address the deteriorating bridge. They worry that as time goes on, the condition of the bridge could continue to worsen, increasing the risk for accidents.
For now, city officials maintain that the bridge is safe for use, but local drivers, especially those like Lewis who rely on it daily, continue to push for improvements to ensure the safety and longevity of the structure.
