Lake Texoma bridge replacement shifts into formal design phase
Nearly five months after flooding at Lake Texoma caused damage to the US-70 Roosevelt Memorial Bridge, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation starts the process of designing a replacement for the structure with construction possible in 2026. ODOT signals urgency because this route holds economic and mobility value for two states. The next steps define delivery pace and sequencing. Commissioners approved $6 million in contracts providing $2 million each to three design-build teams. These teams will work directly with ODOT to create proposals for a design and construction schedule to replace the US-70 Roosevelt Memorial Bridge using a unique delivery method. This acceleration strategy reduces friction. Competitive build modeling also forces sharper value capture. After a review of proposals, the highest scoring of the three teams will be presented to the Commission in the spring as the team that continues its contract with ODOT to deliver final plans and construction services. Construction is expected in summer 2026. Oklahoma Energy industries track this corridor because it impacts freight traffic.
Storms, wind and flooding drove structural distress at Lake Texoma
The causeway in Southeastern Oklahoma suffered severe damage due to storms and flooding. Engineers closed the bridge and causeway for assessment, then reopened traffic with restrictions. The bridge, built in 1947, remains safe. Recent storms created record rainfall in April and early May, followed by high straight line wind events and tornadic conditions in Marshall and Bryan counties. These conditions created saturation, wave action, scour and erosion. This forced bridge closure to protect the public. ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz told commissioners this in June.
“As a result of the record rainfall in April and early May, coupled with a series of high straight-line wind and tornadic events in Marshall and Bryan counties, the causeway at the east end of the Roosevelt Bridge over Lake Texoma on US-70 has been extensively damaged by water saturation and wave action, scour and erosion, necessitating closure of the Roosevelt Bridge to protect the public,”
He said this bridge is the most direct east to west connector between Marshall and Bryan counties. It also connects northern Texas and southern Oklahoma. This route links Kingston and Durant. Closure created a 35 mile detour for residents and visitors at Lake Texoma. The closure also disrupted emergency services and economic stability across that region.
Federal grant provides full replacement support for construction launch
The state received a $124 million grant from the Federal government in July to allow the replacement. The grant came from the Federal Highway Administration Bridge Investment Program. This is the largest Transportation Department grant in state history. This ensures total replacement is funded. It also removes long term risk from delay. This funding anchors a reliable build pathway. It now allows design-build schedule alignment ahead of construction mobilization. Federal confidence signal matters for political support and economic development continuity. Freight reliability matters for cross state shipping cost. Engineers believe this timeline can scale without major disruption risk when construction begins in 2026. Freight carriers need predictable bridge availability across Lake Texoma.
Oklahoma moves this forward to protect economic routes and travel stability. Lake Texoma remains central to southern Oklahoma mobility and commercial connectivity.