Report: Funding Boost Improves Oklahoma Bridges

A new report shows a dramatic increase in state funding for transportation has helped Oklahoma improve road safety and dramatically reduce the number of structurally deficient bridges.

The report released Monday by the Washington, D.C.-based The Road Information Program, or TRIP, shows Oklahoma has reduced the number of structurally deficient, state-maintained bridges by 32 percent from 2005 to 2010.

The report also shows Oklahoma has decreased the number of miles of state-maintained highways that in “poor condition” by more than 5 percent during the same time period.

Oklahoma lawmakers five years ago approved an increase in transportation spending by requiring a dedicated portion of the state’s revenue go directly into a fund for road and bridge improvement.

State transportation officials say the fund currently has about $465 million.