ODOT Discovers Extensive Belle Isle Bridge Damage

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) said its crews and contractor discovered much more than they bargained for during a routine bridge rehabilitation project. The I-44 Belle Isle bridge in Oklahoma City, built in 1978, is currently undergoing a bridge rehabilitation project that involves inspecting the bridge deck and piers and chipping away any old concrete to prepare the bridge piers for sandblasting and new concrete, ODOT officials said.

During the execution of this step, crews said they discovered extensive damage to two of the piers so far. This prompted lane and ramp closures between Pennsylvania and Western Avenues on Friday, April 16.

As part of the rehabilitation process, the first step is for crews to aggressively chip away at the concrete to better prepare the bridge for improvements. Under a façade of separated concrete, which was not visible during routine inspections, major rebar and concrete deterioration on two piers emerged. According to ODOT crews, damage to the piers was caused by water and salt over time. This particular bridge reportedly receives more salt in the winter than most due to its length, unique angle and traffic volume. The damage prompted engineers to narrow I-44 to two lanes in both directions between Pennsylvania and Western Avenues and close the eastbound I-44 on-ramp from eastbound Northwest Expressway and the westbound I-44 off-ramp to Northwest Expressway and begin extensive repairs to the two piers.

Crews said they are adding steel supports to two of the piers. Plans are to have this work completed by early May and open the closed lanes to traffic. However, engineers are evaluating additional piers and anticipate more could need repairs which could extend or cause additional closures. There are a total of 80 piers on the entire bridge, all are being evaluated. These repairs to the severely damaged piers are an adequate but interim fix. The current project will be completed early next year. Concurrently, emergency projects are being designed and will be expedited to provide the permanent fix.

Engineers said they are confident the bridge is safe while the two piers are being addressed and would close the bridge should any findings reveal otherwise. The bridge is being monitored daily, ODOT said.