OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Transportation Commission has approved a joint venture between Zachry Construction and Traylor Bros., Inc. to advance the $408 million replacement of the US-70 Roosevelt Bridge over Lake Texoma, marking a major infrastructure investment aimed at improving regional connectivity and safety.
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The project will replace the existing bridge, originally opened in 1945, with a modern four-lane structure designed to meet current transportation demands and support long-term economic activity along the Lake Texoma corridor.
“The next step will be for the selected team to deliver final design and construction services for the bridge replacement project. The department will continue to work side by side with them to lay the groundwork for such a big undertaking,” said ODOT Director of Design Justin Hernandez.
The project will utilize a “modified progressive design-build” delivery method, marking the first time the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) has implemented this approach.
Under this model, multiple design-build teams initially collaborate with ODOT during the design and planning phases. The process is intended to foster innovation, improve efficiency and optimize costs and scheduling before finalizing the construction contract.
ODOT received proposals from three teams in March and evaluated them based on technical solutions, project approach, timeline and cost before selecting the Zachry-Traylor joint venture as the apparent best-value proposer.
The contract, valued at $408 million, covers final design and construction phases, with continued design development planned in the coming months.
The Roosevelt Bridge replacement will include construction of a new four-lane span across Lake Texoma, along with upgrades to roadway approaches along US-70. Additional enhancements will include full shoulders, improved lighting and other safety features.
The bridge serves as a vital link between southern Oklahoma and northern Texas and currently carries approximately 8,500 vehicles per day. Officials said the new structure will improve reliability while accommodating future traffic growth and regional development.
Construction is expected to begin later this summer, with completion anticipated in fall 2029.
ODOT officials emphasized that coordination with local communities and regional stakeholders will continue throughout the project. Plans are also underway to host a public open house to introduce the project team and provide additional details about construction impacts.
The selected joint venture brings experience delivering large-scale infrastructure projects nationwide, including those using alternative delivery methods aimed at reducing disruption and accelerating timelines.
The replacement of the aging Roosevelt Bridge is expected to enhance safety, support tourism and strengthen economic activity in the Lake Texoma region for decades to come.
Originally reported by Oklahoma Government.
