Owners Say Bar Near Chickasha Going Out Of Business Due To Bad Bridge

The owners of a bar near Chickasha say they're going to go out of business, and it's going to be Grady County's fault.

Old 81 Sports Bar is two miles east of Chickasha between Old Highway 81 and 62 Highway. Five years ago after a flood, Grady County closed a bridge that crosses the Washita River, and connects with Old Highway 81.

Owners of the sports bar say closing the bridge cut off access to their bar. They say it's costing them thousands of dollars in lost business every week.

"I mean this is my livelihood," said Co-Owner Venus Gilbert. "My husband has his retirement tied up in this place."

Grady County Commissioner Mike Lennier says fixing or replacing the bridge would cost as much as two-million dollars. He says that roadway is barely traveled anymore, and Grady County has more pressing priorities than that bridge.