Rain delays Deer Creek bridge work

A rainy spring and summer has been good for the grassy pastures of northwest Oklahoma County, but not so good for a bridge project connecting Deer Creek schools with Oklahoma City to the south.

The N MacArthur Boulevard bridge project has been delayed by at least six weeks as a result of rainy weather, said Cody Boyd, Oklahoma Department of Transportation spokesman. Northwestern Oklahoma County has seen above-average rainfall since June 1, according to the Oklahoma Climatological Survey.

“Unfortunately, the road is not yet open to through traffic due to weather delays,” Boyd said.

A new 1,600-foot bridge, spanning Deer Creek and Walnut Creek north of NW 178, is expected to alleviate roadway flooding problems in low-lying areas near the creeks once it opens. The $7.8 million project started in July 2017 and ODOT officials had expected it would open by Aug. 1. Deer Creek Schools open Wednesday.

The bridge is about two miles south of Deer Creek High School, the district’s administration building, athletic facilities and an intermediate school campus at NW 206 and N MacArthur Boulevard.

Deer Creek bus routes have been altered during the bridge construction.

Although the bridge structure has been completed, the contractor needs more time to complete dirt work at the south end of the project, from White Tail Drive to just north of NW 178, before the final layers of asphalt can be poured, Boyd said.

“We certainly recognize the inconvenience to the traveling public, and we really appreciate their patience,” Boyd said.