Historic next step for US-70 Roosevelt Memorial Bridge replacement project

Oklahoma Department of Transportation

November 05, 2025

PR# 25-036

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is pleased to announce the selection of three design-build teams to pursue the US-70 Roosevelt Memorial Bridge project. This is a critical step in the contracting process while moving the project forward.

The bridge project will be delivered using a method called Modified Progressive Design Build — the first time this approach has been used in Oklahoma by ODOT.

“This method teams designers and builders together throughout the engineering process to promote greater innovation and expedite project completion by incorporating the builder’s preferred practices into the design,” said ODOT Director of Design Justin Hernandez.

The design-build teams selected were Manhattan Road & Bridge Co, Walsh Construction Co. and Zachry Construction Corp./Traylor Bros., Inc. (joint venture). The groups were evaluated based on their qualifications, including organizational structure and key personnel assigned to the project, experience of the firms on similar projects, and their approach to collaboration and risk management.

The three teams were each awarded $2 million contracts by the Oklahoma Transportation Commission at its monthly meeting, to work on proposals for an overall design, incorporate innovations and establish construction phases. Each team will also develop cost estimates in the proposals.

After review of the proposals, one of the three teams will be identified in the spring as the team to continue its contract with ODOT to deliver final design and construction services for the bridge replacement project. Construction is anticipated to start in the summer of 2026.

The US-70 Roosevelt Bridge, located in Bryan and Marshall Counties, is set to be replaced using Oklahoma’s largest federal grant awarded in 2024 for $124 million and state funding to ensure it remains a safe and reliable crossing over Lake Texoma. The bridge currently carries 8,500 vehicles per day.

The US-70 bridge opened in 1945 and is a vital link for travel, business and recreation in Southeastern Oklahoma. The proposed bridge will be built nearby and will be more resilient during weather events. It will also have wider lanes, improved lighting and modern safety features. The replacement project is also expected to improve regional access, support tourism and help local economies.

Drivers can visit RooseveltBridge.com to learn more about the bridge and project progression.

View the press release: Oklahoma.gov