The 11th Street bridge over the Arkansas River is one of the oldest bridges in the Tulsa area, having been built in 1916. The bridge was U.S. 66 until the U.S. 66 bypass was opened in the 1950s.
The bridge was widened at least once during its long life and is one of two bridges (21st Street is the other) in Tulsa with arches.
The bridge’s outer lanes were closed in 1976 and included signs that said, “sidewalk and curb lane closed – keep off.” Construction began in August 1978 on a new bridge south of the old bridge. The old bridge was closed in November 1980. In the early 2000s, Tulsa voters approved a Vision 2025 package that included the Route 66 Corridor. A Centennial Plaza and Walk are being planned for the 11th Street bridge, which may return life to the bridge following many years of idleness. Photograph taken February 25, 1988.
