SE OKC Community Struggles To Repair Rain-Damaged Bridge

A private homeowners association weighed their options Tuesday, just one day after the only road in and out of the neighborhood washed away, stranding some 100 residents.

Tuesday, March 20th 2012, 7:16 pm

By: News 9


A private homeowners association weighed their options Tuesday, just one day after the only road in and out of the neighborhood washed away, stranding some 100 residents.

The heavy rain on Monday put too much pressure on the bridge. It collapsed and washed down the creek.

3/19/2012 Related Story: SE OKC Community Cut Off After Rain Washes Away Bridge

Brenda Rickman with the homeowners association said the neighborhood was in a tough spot because of how much repairing the bridge would cost. She said they only have about $1,100 on hand.

"Many of us are on fixed income," Rickman explained.

Rickman said the cost to make permanent repairs would be upwards of $20,000, which is way out of their budget.

Several homeowners sought out help from Cleveland County and Oklahoma City. Representatives checked out the damage, but told the neighborhood association that they could not help.

'They are tied by law," said Steve Scott, who lives in the neighborhood. "It's a private road."

Since the road is private, repairs are up to the people who live in the neighborhood. They said several people from around central Oklahoma reached out to help. Everything from heavy equipment to man power to building materials were donated by Tuesday evening.

Even with the materials on scene, construction was not able to start as they waited for more concrete supports as a permanent fix, so they were left waiting another night.

"We're stuck. I mean we have no way in, now way out. Ambulances can't get to us, we can't get to them," Heather Pierson said.

She said there are elderly neighbors who need medication, and a sick boy who can't get his treatment until the road is repaired.

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