The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced on Nov. 5, 2025, the selection of three design-build teams to pursue the U.S. 70 Roosevelt Memorial Bridge project. This is a critical step in the contracting process while moving the project forward.
The bridge project will be delivered using a method called Modified Progressive Design Build — the first time this approach has been used in Oklahoma by ODOT.
"This method teams designers and builders together throughout the engineering process to promote greater innovation and expedite project completion by incorporating the builder's preferred practices into the design," said Justin Hernandez, ODOT director of design.
The design-build teams selected were Manhattan Road & Bridge Co., Walsh Construction Co. and Zachry Construction Corp./Traylor Bros., Inc. (joint venture). The groups were evaluated based on their qualifications, including organizational structure and key personnel assigned to the project, the experience of the firms on similar projects and their approach to collaboration and risk management.
The three teams were each awarded $2 million contracts by the Oklahoma Transportation Commission at its monthly meeting, to work on proposals for an overall design, incorporate innovations and establish construction phases. Each team also will develop cost estimates in the proposals.
After review of the proposals, one of the three teams will be identified in the spring as the team to continue its contract with ODOT to deliver final design and construction services for the bridge replacement project. Construction is anticipated to start in the summer of 2026.
The U.S. 70 Roosevelt Bridge, located in Bryan and Marshall counties over Lake Texoma, is set to be replaced using Oklahoma's largest federal grant awarded in 2024 for $124 million, as well as state funding. The bridge carries 8,500 vehicles per day.
The U.S. 70 bridge opened in 1945 and is a vital link for travel, business and recreation in southeastern Oklahoma. The proposed bridge will be built nearby and will be more resilient during weather events. It also will have wider lanes, improved lighting and modern safety features.
For details, visit RooseveltBridge.com.
