Saturday, February 5, 2011

Sunday Bridges - Old 11th Street Bridge

Historic Route 66 crosses the Arkansas River on the 11th Street bridge in Tulsa Oklahoma. The 11th Street Bridge was built in 1915 - 1916 and is a good example of a multi-span concrete arch bridge with verticals.  It was altered in 1929 and has ornate guardrails that utilize Art Deco motifs, especially the Zigzag Art Deco. Its roadbed is 34 feet wide.  It was labor intensive to build,
reflecting a technology and aesthetic
approach to bridge construction no longer in use.

The current state of disrepair of the old bridge make it unsafe even for foot traffic. It has been named an historic site and plans exist to restore it and make it the centerpiece of a Route 66 Center. However because of the expense involved those plans are on 
hold for the time being.

This bridge is sandwiched in on the North by I-244, and on the South by Southwest Boulevard. It is difficult to photograph except from either end looking between the old bridge and I-244.  

There are 4 highways and a railroad trestle which funnel together to cross the river at this point.  To get my picture of the old 11th street bridge 
I snaked around to a point under I 244 and took a photo looking north west.  I was beneath 244 at about where the red X is.  You might want to click the satellite view to enlarge it.



See more Sunday Bridges

See more Weekend Black and White.

15 comments:

Kenneth Larsson said... [Reply to comment]

Very nice in black & white! I really like it!

Have a nice weekend! :-)

Debby Rose said... [Reply to comment]

Beautiful perspective on this old bridge.

VioletSky said... [Reply to comment]

It does look a very busy spot!
Love the art deco detail.

EG CameraGirl said... [Reply to comment]

I hope it's restored and not allowed to decay. The bridge is photogenic and looks great in B&W.

Unknown said... [Reply to comment]

i like your monochrome treatment of this bridge. great shot!

Jim said... [Reply to comment]

a terrific bridge and a great shot.

Andy said... [Reply to comment]

It's hard to believe the bridge is unsafe. With all the supports it looks like it was built to last. One of my favorite TV shows back in the 60's was Route 66.

Dragonstar said... [Reply to comment]

It's a fine old bridge. What a shame it can't be used. I do hope 'They' restore it before it collapses.

biebkriebels said... [Reply to comment]

This is really a beautiful bridge with such wonderful Art Deco details. Hope it will be restored, would be a shame to let it down.

Tanya Breese said... [Reply to comment]

I love all the different lines in this old bridge...they don't make them like they used to!

Elleona said... [Reply to comment]

Bonjour
En agrandissant la vue satellite, j'ai aperçu la croix rouge et j'ai pu situer l'endroit d'où vous preniez la photo.
Les piliers du pont ne semblent pas très épais pour résister au courant et à la force de l'eau surtout au printemps ?
Bisous de France.

Yogi♪♪♪ said... [Reply to comment]

Great pics Bill. The bridge is interesting in that it has the best asphalt job in town on it but is closed. It would be a great pedestrian bridge when and if we get the money for it.

The Redneck Rosarian said... [Reply to comment]

Love the art deco features of this bridge. Glad to hear a restoration effort is underway. It would be a shame for it to crumble into the river.....

Francisca said... [Reply to comment]

Bill, this is one of your best. It's a gorgeous bridge, with those multiple arches and your composition in B&W is fabulous. I join the chorus in hoping the bridge will be repaired for use one day.

genie said... [Reply to comment]

Thanks so much for all the time and effort you put into bringing us all this wonderful post. The old bridge looks for typical of so many I have been on in my 72 years. It is so sad that it is in such disrepair, but surely the economy will turn around and it will be restored before it really does begin to fall apart. Your pictures are lovely and the commentary you put together of us was so interesting and informative. Thanks so much.