Inspectors Check for Bridge Safety Following Floods

By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9

EDMOND, Oklahoma – Inspectors have checked Oklahoma County bridges that were in the path of last week's devastating flooding.

The Oklahoma County bridges that were impacted by last Monday's flooding have been inspected and are safe, County Engineer Stacey Trumbo said.

"A storm like that will do some deterioration but that doesn't make it unsafe

There are a few exceptions including the bridge on Sorghum Mill Road near Western Avenue.

Trumbo said the bridge is structurally sound, but had to be closed due to damage to the embankment. Crews have started making repairs, which are expected to be complete by the end of July.

The bridge at I-35 and Seward Road also suffered major damage from the flood. ODOT started repairs last week, but it could be next month before it's complete and safe for the public to drive on.

As for city maintained bridges, Edmond has closed Covell near Western. The flood waters washed off the guardrail and asphalt on the bridge. The city engineer said it has to be inspected for structural integrity and repaired before it's reopened.

While bridges are top of mind, city and county engineers are anticipating other problems down the road.

"The soil underneath roads was saturated so there could be potholes develop in the future that you are not seeing now from that event," said Trumbo.