New Boulder Avenue Bridge connecting downtown Tulsa to Brady District to open Monday

TULSA - City officials, along with many downtown dwellers and workers, gathered to dedicate the new Boulder Avenue Bridge.

The bridge was opened to traffic just before 3 p.m. on Monday.

The bridge replaces an old bridge that was constructed in 1929 and demolished in 2009.

The new bridge features distinctive art work that pays homage to Tulsa’s past and provides another connection between the Brady Arts District and the rest of downtown.

 “Simply having this bridge going over the railroad tracks from one terrific side to the other, from the business community to the arts community, the residential community, that’s great,” said Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett.

The $8 million bridge was funded by a 2006 sales tax and 2008 bond issue. The opening of the bridge was delayed a few times due to a steel shortage.

It was designed to go along with downtown’s master plan.

Officials hope one day it will be part of a trolley system.