Purcell And Lexington Residents Ready For Bridge Solution

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) closed the bridge that connects Purcell and Lexington last Friday out of fear it could collapse, and residents are ready for a solution.

The town hall meeting with the ODOT was moved to the fire station, because so many residents showed and there wasn't enough space at the original meeting location.

2/3/2014 Related Story: Bridge Connecting Purcell, Lexington Closed For Several Months

Heated exchanges between residents, ODOT officials, and even elected officials had many wondering if they were going to get any answers.

"It just had the people so upset, because we just feel like we've been cut off from the world," Lexington City Manager Charlie McCown said.

Things got heated between former Senator Cal Hobson and Representative Bobby Cleveland.

Hobson told residents he had three solutions to get the existing bridge back up and running.

ODOT says microscopic cracks found by inspectors in load bearing parts of the bridge are causing concern.

ODOT officials said it could take several months before they can reopen this bridge. Tentative drawings for a new bridge are expected Friday, but a permanent fix will take years.