Restore T.R.U.S.T.

Broadcast Video of IDL Project Coverage

News Channel 8 (APRIL 27) TULSA - Oklahoma has awarded the largest road and bridge project in the state's history -- 75-million dollars for construction on Tulsa's inner dispersal loop.

The project will replace three miles of roadway and re-deck more than 40 bridges. Federal stimulus money will also help two Tulsa companies create more jobs.

The construction of the Inner Dispersal Loop will be done by Manhattan Road and Bridge Company and Sherwood Construction of Catoosa. The project will come with new jobs.

"I would anticipate a lot of these projects will add anywhere between five and 25-percent to the existing work force, but not necessarily on one specific job between suppliers and sub-contractors," says Todd Saxton, Senior Vice President with Manhattan.

The stimulus also provides 7-point-1 million dollars to build new bridges in Sand Springs. That project has been delayed for 30 days, which Sand Springs police say is a good thing because it gives motorists another month to find another way to get to work.

"If you can't avoid this area during the construction phase, we urge people to leave a little bit earlier and we want them to also think about carpooling," says Assistant Police Chief Mike Carter.

Saxton says the company will create about a dozen new jobs on the Sand Springs project and on the IDL they could add between 25 and 50 people. In turn, he says this will create more jobs from his suppliers.

"If it weren't for stimulus money, would be be getting projects this soon? No probably not. We would like to have seen the stimulus more extensive and more long lasting. Long term duration."

He says a lot now depends on what Congress and the president want to do with the highway bill, coming up later this summer.

The construction in the Keystone Lake area could take up to 8 months. But at the same time, the contract says there are bonuses if they get the work done early. The Inner Dispersal Loop project will take about a year and a half to complete.

To apply for jobs with Manhattan Construction, visit http://www.manhattanroadandbridge.com.