Construction is starting on a $408 million bridge over Lake Texoma that will replace an 80-year-old span that was closed last year for $5.5 million in emergency repairs after being damaged by flooding.

The damages prompted the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to speed up the construction, which originally was scheduled to start in 2029. The bridge will connect Bryan and Marshall counties over Lake Texoma with an estimated daily traffic count of 11,000 for the popular tourist corridor.

Initial work at the project site is already underway. Crews have been preparing the construction site and improving driver visibility by clearing trees near the bridge and along U.S. Highway 70, while barges have been conducting drilling into the lake bottom to test ground conditions where the new bridge piers will be anchored. The new bridge is set to open in fall 2029.

More: Three firms hired to pursue faster design, construction of Lake Texoma's Roosevelt bridge

Traffic moves on the Roosevelt Memorial Bridge on Highway 70 over Lake Texoma on August 8, 2007 near Kingston, Oklahoma. BY STEVE SISNEY, THE OKLAHOMAN ORG XMIT: kod
Traffic moves on the Roosevelt Memorial Bridge on Highway 70 over Lake Texoma on August 8, 2007 near Kingston, Oklahoma. BY STEVE SISNEY, THE OKLAHOMAN ORG XMIT: kod

Tim Gatz, Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation, credited federal and state officials with providing funding for the project, which was overseen by the design team of Zachry Construction/Traylor Bros.

"Today, we celebrate long-awaited promises delivered for a stronger, more connected future for this region, its communities and the many residents and visitors who rely on this bridge," Gatz said. "This monumental project represents what we can accomplish when we come together with a shared commitment to building a stronger state and a stronger future for those who come after us."

More: Oklahoma awarded $124 million federal grant to replace Lake Texoma bridge

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Plans call for the current bridge to remain open during construction. Once complete, the new four-lane bridge will include full shoulders, lighting and a pedestrian path along with improvements to the roadway approaches along U.S. 70.

The bridge project is being funded through a combination of federal and state investment, including a $124 million Large Bridge Project award through the Federal Highway Administration's Bridge Investment Program. Sean McMaster, administrator of the United States Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration, was among those attending the Sept 10th groundbreaking.

Jordan M/. Wells rehearses with cast members for the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma's production of "Beehive" in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Jordan M/. Wells rehearses with cast members for the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma's production of "Beehive" in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Mayor David Holt shakes hands with supporters at an election watch party at Rococo in Oklahoma City, on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Mayor David Holt shakes hands with supporters at an election watch party at Rococo in Oklahoma City, on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Pickled Haddock with a sauce gribiche is prepared at Sedalia's in Oklahoma City, on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Pickled Haddock with a sauce gribiche is prepared at Sedalia's in Oklahoma City, on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Allen Gamble Correctional Center is pictured in Holdenville, Oklahoma on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Allen Gamble Correctional Center is pictured in Holdenville, Oklahoma on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN)
ACLU executive director Tamya Cox-Touré and others holds signs across the street from the Oklahoma Governor's Mansion during the execution vigil for Kendrick Antonio Simpson, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. (DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN)
ACLU executive director Tamya Cox-Touré and others holds signs across the street from the Oklahoma Governor's Mansion during the execution vigil for Kendrick Antonio Simpson, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. (DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN)
A man carries a baby as he goes to the voting booth at precinct 457 during early morning voting for Oklahoma City mayor at Northpark Mall, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. (DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN)
A man carries a baby as he goes to the voting booth at precinct 457 during early morning voting for Oklahoma City mayor at Northpark Mall, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. (DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma City's Jared McCain (3) walks on to the court in the second half of the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday Feb. 7, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma City's Jared McCain (3) walks on to the court in the second half of the NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday Feb. 7, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Calvin Luper, son of Clara Luper, visits the Clara Luper National Sit-In Plaza in Oklahoma City, Tuesday Feb. 10, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Calvin Luper, son of Clara Luper, visits the Clara Luper National Sit-In Plaza in Oklahoma City, Tuesday Feb. 10, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN)
The last pillar is brought down. Demolition of the Myriad Convention Center is down to the last walls of the building, in the southwest corner, at Reno Ave. and E.K. Gaylord Blvd., Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. (DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN)
The last pillar is brought down. Demolition of the Myriad Convention Center is down to the last walls of the building, in the southwest corner, at Reno Ave. and E.K. Gaylord Blvd., Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. (DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Victoria Sowersel holds her baby Torian, 10 weeks, at their home in Oklahoma City, Wednesday Jan. 14, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Victoria Sowersel holds her baby Torian, 10 weeks, at their home in Oklahoma City, Wednesday Jan. 14, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN)
People watch from the gallery during the State of the State address at the Oklahoma Capitol in Oklahoma City, on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
People watch from the gallery during the State of the State address at the Oklahoma Capitol in Oklahoma City, on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
BNSF Railway, North America’s leading intermodal provider, along with Hobby Lobby Inc. had a ribbon cutting to mark the official opening of BNSF’s new intermodal facility in Oklahoma City, a 42-acre site providing a streamlined, cost-efficient option for moving freight to and from the region., Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. (DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN)
BNSF Railway, North America’s leading intermodal provider, along with Hobby Lobby Inc. had a ribbon cutting to mark the official opening of BNSF’s new intermodal facility in Oklahoma City, a 42-acre site providing a streamlined, cost-efficient option for moving freight to and from the region., Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. (DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN)
The chamber fills up with residents during an Oklahoma City City Council meeting, where committee members plan to address the proposed ICE facility at the City Council Chamber in Oklahoma City, on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
The chamber fills up with residents during an Oklahoma City City Council meeting, where committee members plan to address the proposed ICE facility at the City Council Chamber in Oklahoma City, on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt gives the State of the State address to a joint session of the legislature at the Oklahoma Capitol in Oklahoma City, on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt gives the State of the State address to a joint session of the legislature at the Oklahoma Capitol in Oklahoma City, on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Demonstrators gather holding signs during an OKC Free America Walkout march from Bricktown to Scissortail Park in Oklahoma City, on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Demonstrators gather holding signs during an OKC Free America Walkout march from Bricktown to Scissortail Park in Oklahoma City, on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Opie stands in front of a fire as he talks about what experiences homelessness during the Point in Time Count to survey the unhoused population in Oklahoma City, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. (BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Opie stands in front of a fire as he talks about what experiences homelessness during the Point in Time Count to survey the unhoused population in Oklahoma City, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. (BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Children are pushed down a snow-covered hill during a winter storm in Oklahoma City, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. (BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Children are pushed down a snow-covered hill during a winter storm in Oklahoma City, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. (BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Public works crews prepare trucks and snow plows ahead of extreme winter weather on Wednesday, Jan 21. at the Oklahoma City Street Maintenance facility in Oklahoma City. (CAROLINE MCCONE/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Public works crews prepare trucks and snow plows ahead of extreme winter weather on Wednesday, Jan 21. at the Oklahoma City Street Maintenance facility in Oklahoma City. (CAROLINE MCCONE/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Otoe Aero attends an OKC Free America Walkout march from Bricktown to Scissortail Park in Oklahoma City, on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Otoe Aero attends an OKC Free America Walkout march from Bricktown to Scissortail Park in Oklahoma City, on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Councilmember James Cooper leans his head back onto his chair during an Oklahoma City City Council meeting, where committee members plan to address the proposed ICE facility on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2025 at the City Council Chamber in Oklahoma City. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Councilmember James Cooper leans his head back onto his chair during an Oklahoma City City Council meeting, where committee members plan to address the proposed ICE facility on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2025 at the City Council Chamber in Oklahoma City. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
A painting is pictured during the ribbon cutting of the ReMerge Graduate Center in Oklahoma City, on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
A painting is pictured during the ribbon cutting of the ReMerge Graduate Center in Oklahoma City, on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
People film the snow at Lake Hefner during a winter storm in Oklahoma City, Saturday Jan. 24, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN)
People film the snow at Lake Hefner during a winter storm in Oklahoma City, Saturday Jan. 24, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Residents fill the meeting chambers during an Oklahoma City City Council meeting, where committee members plan to address the proposed ICE facility on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2025 at the City Council Chamber in Oklahoma City. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Residents fill the meeting chambers during an Oklahoma City City Council meeting, where committee members plan to address the proposed ICE facility on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2025 at the City Council Chamber in Oklahoma City. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
A small lake is partially frozen after a winter storm in Oklahoma City, on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
A small lake is partially frozen after a winter storm in Oklahoma City, on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Asa Tabor sleds off a jump in the snow at Scissortail Park after a winter storm in Oklahoma City, on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Asa Tabor sleds off a jump in the snow at Scissortail Park after a winter storm in Oklahoma City, on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Dominique Davenport, running backs coach, left, Dominique Franks, passing game coordinator and cornerbacks coach, and Tyler Dell, defensive analyst play a video game inside the University of Tulsa football Portal House, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Dominique Davenport, running backs coach, left, Dominique Franks, passing game coordinator and cornerbacks coach, and Tyler Dell, defensive analyst play a video game inside the University of Tulsa football Portal House, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Demolition continues on the site of the former Myriad Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City which is being cleared for the new arena the Thunder will call home, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Demolition continues on the site of the former Myriad Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City which is being cleared for the new arena the Thunder will call home, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Residents line the streets during the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade in Oklahoma City, on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Residents line the streets during the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade in Oklahoma City, on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Mayor Holt reflected in glass with the Children's Library area showing through. Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt made himself available at Belle Isle Public Library to discuss SQ836 with the public, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Mayor Holt reflected in glass with the Children's Library area showing through. Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt made himself available at Belle Isle Public Library to discuss SQ836 with the public, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN)
A worker sprays off graffiti at the State capitol in Oklahoma City, Tuesday Jan. 13, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN)
A worker sprays off graffiti at the State capitol in Oklahoma City, Tuesday Jan. 13, 2026. (SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN)
The Millwood band perform during the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade in Oklahoma City, on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
The Millwood band perform during the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade in Oklahoma City, on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Jim Ingram, founder of Lit'l Links Golf Club, talks about flooding issues at the special meeting of the Broken Arrow City Council in the auditorium of the Northeastern State University campus, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Jim Ingram, founder of Lit'l Links Golf Club, talks about flooding issues at the special meeting of the Broken Arrow City Council in the auditorium of the Northeastern State University campus, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Crews take out trees in the median causing a traffic build up on 23rd Street in Oklahoma City, on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Crews take out trees in the median causing a traffic build up on 23rd Street in Oklahoma City, on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Residents gather in an anti-ICE protest following the death of Renee Good, a U.S. citizen who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on Jan. 7, on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026 at Scissortail Park in Oklahoma City. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Residents gather in an anti-ICE protest following the death of Renee Good, a U.S. citizen who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on Jan. 7, on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026 at Scissortail Park in Oklahoma City. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Carl Loeffelholz holds an American Flag as demonstrators gather in an anti-ICE protest at Scissortail Park in Oklahoma City on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, following the death of Renee Good, a U.S. citizen who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Carl Loeffelholz holds an American Flag as demonstrators gather in an anti-ICE protest at Scissortail Park in Oklahoma City on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, following the death of Renee Good, a U.S. citizen who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Chief Kevin Boydston talks to firefighters at the Nichols Hills Fire Department station in Nichols Hills on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Chief Kevin Boydston talks to firefighters at the Nichols Hills Fire Department station in Nichols Hills on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Teagan Malone, left, comforts Amy Goodman during a vigil in honor of Renee Nicole Good, a woman who was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis on Wednesday, on Jan 8, at Scissortail Park in Oklahoma City. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Teagan Malone, left, comforts Amy Goodman during a vigil in honor of Renee Nicole Good, a woman who was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis on Wednesday, on Jan 8, at Scissortail Park in Oklahoma City. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Ron Musgrave surveys the damage after the roof was sheared off exposing the interior in a building along Van Buren St. near the stadium in Purcell, Oklahoma after early morning storms swept through the area, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Ron Musgrave surveys the damage after the roof was sheared off exposing the interior in a building along Van Buren St. near the stadium in Purcell, Oklahoma after early morning storms swept through the area, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Rev. John Malget is pictured with a cardboard cutout of Star Trek’s Jean-Luc Picard at the First Christian Church of Oklahoma City in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Rev. John Malget is pictured with a cardboard cutout of Star Trek’s Jean-Luc Picard at the First Christian Church of Oklahoma City in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
A horse follows the owner as they clean up debris in Purcell, Oklahoma after early morning storms swept through the area, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN)
A horse follows the owner as they clean up debris in Purcell, Oklahoma after early morning storms swept through the area, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Marilee Peryam writes in chalk at a vigil at Scissortail park in Oklahoma City on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 for Renee Good, the mother shot and killed by ICE agents in Minnesota on Jan 7, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Marilee Peryam writes in chalk at a vigil at Scissortail park in Oklahoma City on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 for Renee Good, the mother shot and killed by ICE agents in Minnesota on Jan 7, 2026. (NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Minco softball players cheer as they are introduced to be honored during a basketball game in Minco, Okla.,Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. In September, a bus carrying the softball team was involved in a rollover crash in causing several injuries. (BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Minco softball players cheer as they are introduced to be honored during a basketball game in Minco, Okla.,Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. In September, a bus carrying the softball team was involved in a rollover crash in causing several injuries. (BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN)

"The replacement of the US-70 Roosevelt Bridge is exactly the type of project the Federal Highway Administration is excited to support; modernizing critical infrastructure, enhancing public safety and maintaining vital economic lifelines for local communities," McMaster said. "By leveraging targeted federal funding like the Bridge Investment Program alongside strong state partnerships, this project replaces an 80-year-old structure with a modern design built for generations, ensuring long-term reliability and growth for Oklahoma."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Construction starts on new $408 million bridge over Lake Texoma