Tulsa District awards construction contract for Kaw Bridge repair

Photo By Stacey Reese | A road closure sign blocks access to the bridge over Kaw Dam near Ponca City, Oklahoma, July 9, 2026. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District, closed the bridge after maintenance personnel identified advanced deterioration of bridge bearings during routine inspection. The bridge remains closed while repairs are planned and executed to restore safe public access. The closure demonstrates the district’s dam safety mission and commitment to public safety by addressing infrastructure concerns before they present an unacceptable risk to the public. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Stacey Reese)  

TULSA, OKLAHOMA, UNITED STATES

07.13.2026

Story by Stacey Reese 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District

TULSA, OK – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District awarded a construction contract to repair the girders of the bridge over Kaw Dam, near Ponca City, Okla., June 12.

The Tennessee Valley Authority will begin making repairs after delivery of construction materials. Those materials are scheduled to arrive in mid-August 2026.

"We recognize the bridge closure has affected residents and visitors who regularly travel across Kaw Dam," said Col. Jessica Goffena, commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District. “Our team has worked diligently to move this project from inspection and design to contract award, and we look forward to beginning work.”

The USACE, Tulsa District closed the bridge Nov. 7, 2025, after maintenance workers identified advanced deterioration of bridge bearings while conducting routine repairs.

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• Date Taken: 07.13.2026
• Date Posted: 07.13.2026 11:25
• Story ID: 569813
• Location: TULSA, OKLAHOMA, US