Commissioner: Norton Bend Bridge may be torn down, not repaired

Historical tradition and southern Oklahoma’s “Dillinger” landmark may be headed for a junkpile.

Officially, Norton Bend Bridge, located 3.5 miles north of Mannsville, is condemned and closed to traffic a week after a 17-ton rented crane fell through the deck of the truss span structure signed for a 3-ton limit.

County Commissioner Melvin Farmer is uncertain about the future of the century-old structure, even with assurances BNK Petroleum Ltd. will be responsible for repair costs. Funding has been a problem in repairing or replacing bridges around the county due to a shortage of local and state funds.

The commission rejected two bids to replace Norton Bend last January. Officials said bids — $2,352,782 and $3,000,737 — were approximately $500,000 over the cost estimate.

There’s also the likelihood that bridge inspectors may not approve the existing bridge for repairs. Farmer said he feels there’s a strong probability the county may have to close it down permanently. He’s requested bridge inspectors to determine if repairs are feasible.

As the situation stands, the crossing is officially condemned and closed to all traffic.