Wellston residents, and local businesses are breathing a sigh of relief as the I-44/Turner Turnpike bridge over Route 66 reopens after a comprehensive yearlong reconstruction, according to a recent announcement by Sen. Grant Green, R-Wellston. The opening marked the completion of an extensive effort by the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to replace the aging 70-year-old structure and expand it to six lanes, setting the stage for future expansion plans for the Turner Turnpike, according to the Oklahoma Senate.
In a statement obtained by the Oklahoma Senate, Green touted the project's positive impact, stating, "Local shops and restaurants are the backbone of Wellston, and reopening this bridge makes it clear that our town is open for business." He acknowledged the challenges posed by the extended closure, but emphasized the long-term benefits of improved infrastructure for Oklahomans and Route 66 enthusiasts.
Funded as part of the $48 million project under the OTA's 15-year ACCESS plan, the bridge's renovation is just one of the many infrastructure improvements aiming to modernize and expand the state's transportation network. The overall initiative includes plans for widening the entire Turner Turnpike to six lanes.
Reflecting on the project's completion, Green hailed the collaborative effort behind the success, “This project was a major undertaking, and I’m grateful for everyone who helped make it happen,” signaling a collective triumph over the many months of inconvenience, as stated by the Oklahoma Senate. The timing of the bridge's reopening coincides with the Route 66 centennial, offering a note of historical resonance as travel through Wellston, returns to normal.
