Bridge Repair Project on Boston Avenue Bridge to Begin December 16

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Project Expected for Completion in Late 2025; Center of the Universe Aesthetic Project to Begin Following Completion of Bridge Repair Project

A rehabilitation project for the Boston Avenue Bridge located between E. 1st St. and E. Archer St. is scheduled to begin Monday, December 16.

The Boston Avenue Bridge is the pedestrian bridge that stretches over the railroad tracks and has the Center of the Universe attraction - an echoing ring - on top. Enhancements to the Center of the Universe are planned to follow the bridge repair project.

"As we work to win the next decade, we must continue to invest in the infrastructure and unique attractions that make Tulsa a destination for tourism and opportunity, "Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols said. "Repairing the Boston Avenue Bridge will pave the way to make this a reality and ensure that the enhancements made at this bridge will usher in a resurgence in activity and visitors to Downtown Tulsa in the years ahead."

The first phase of the bridge repair project will include work on the columns, piers, abutments and the underside of the bridge deck. The bridge will remain open during this first phase, which is estimated to last at least four months. Work will start on the south side of the bridge in between the Williams North parking garage and the Jazz Hall of Fame. Once this portion of Phase 1 is complete, work under bridge will proceed northward.

The second phase of the project will include repairs to the bridge deck, parapet walls and joints. The planters and bollards will be removed in preparation for the Center of the Universe aesthetic project. During this phase of the bridge repair project, the bridge will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The contractor intends, however, to maintain minimal, safe pedestrian corridors connecting the BOK parking lot stairwell with the Williams North parking garage. The critical elements of Center of the Universe (the raised concrete planter walls that create the famous acoustical phenomenon) will be protected and preserved in their current condition.

The City of Tulsa has contracted with Daris Contractors for this $3,514,980 Vision Tulsa project, estimated for completion in late 2025. The rebuilding of the Center of the Universe attraction will follow the bridge rehabilitation project and will be built with a mix of public and private funding.

More information on the Center of the Universe project can be found online.

Downtown Tulsa Partnership is supporting the City's commitment to preserving and enriching this beloved local landmark by leading the public-private effort for the above-deck upgrades. The partnership's involvement ensures that once the City completes the bridge's structural rehabilitation, immediate steps will be taken to revitalize the above-deck features through a rehabilitation project estimated to take an additional 9-12 months.

Guided by public feedback, planned enhancements will include green spaces, improved lighting, improved pedestrian walkways, and updated landscaping while its famous acoustic anomaly will remain.

"Downtown Tulsa Partnership is grateful to the City of Tulsa and Tulsa County for investing in the rehabilitation of the century-old Boston Avenue Bridge," said Brian Kurtz, President and CEO of Downtown Tulsa Partnership. "This investment lays the foundation for a public space that respects and reenergizes the Center of the Universe in the heart of Downtown Tulsa. As we continue work to finalize design of the public space, additional details and plans will be publicly announced in the coming months to bring this unique destination back to life."