TULSA, Okla. — Engineers are taking steps to keep drivers safe over the Arkansas River, this week in Tulsa.
Through Thursday, contracted engineers by the city will inspect underneath the bridges that get commuters from midtown to west Tulsa.
The 23rd Street and 71st Street bridges will be looked over between 7 a.m. and four p.m.
The inspections mean the outside lanes will be closed.
During inspection, engineers make sure structures are intact, and look for foundation erosion.
Regular inspections are required by the U.S. Department of Transportation to keep bridges safe.
Maranda Davis, Transportation Rehabilitation Manager for the City of Tulsa, says, "You hear of these catastrophic events that happen where bridges have just fallen in. These inspections help keep the public safe. They've tightened the requirements over the last several years. We have to report on critical elements. We're required to follow up. The process has gotten safer as years have gone by."
Final reports take about a month to finish, unless there is a major concern. So far, there are none.
