OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma Transportation Commission has awarded a contract for emergency work on a bridge between Purcell and Lexington that was closed due to structural problems.
The contract was awarded Friday for repairs on the US-77/State Highway 39 bridge that was closed on Jan. 31 after cracks were found in structural bridge beams.
The project had a base estimate of $5.5 million plus the potential for millions in financial incentives for early completion. The contractor can earn up to $2,500 per hour for beating the reopening deadline. The contractor can also be penalized for finishing late.
The bridge is expected to reopen in 45 days. Its closure has caused a 45-minute detour for commuters who travel between two communities that are less than one mile apart.
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