Leanne Nelson, access program manager for the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, told the Newcastle City Council that the Canadian River Crossing on the East‑West Connector is moving from pre‑construction to construction. She described the scope as two river bridges totaling about $96,000,000 and said the spans will be approximately 1.25 miles—making them among the longest bridges in the state.

Nelson said the project is composed of two separate river bridges that will connect Newcastle, Tuttle and Blanchard to Norman, Moore and Oklahoma City. Construction is expected to begin in 2026; the westbound bridge and westbound alignment are scheduled to open in 2027, with eastbound work following and full two‑lane operation anticipated once the eastbound alignment is completed. "We are transitioning over to the construction side," Nelson said, "and we're very excited about that because it did take some time for us to get to this phase."

She described an incentive structure intended to reward schedule performance: "There is a maximum of $2,100,000 in incentive that a contractor can get if they hit the most efficient time per the specifications," Nelson said, adding that the project will still open by 2027 even if the incentive is not earned. The authority projects the crossing will accommodate more than 38,000 vehicles per day by 2030.

Nelson emphasized environmental and safety measures: the bridge and its contractor work zones are designed to remain above the ordinary high‑water mark, and the authority will use third‑party inspections at least weekly to monitor compliance with specifications. She also outlined local traffic impacts during construction, noting Portland Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue may experience extended closures and that closures will be staged so both streets are not closed simultaneously.

Council members asked about phasing and timing. Nelson said the turnpike board will consider awarding the contract at its next meeting, and she invited residents to view that board meeting the following morning at 10 a.m. She recommended continued coordination with the mayor’s office and city staff about closures and detours during construction.

The presentation closed with staff and council questions about how the project will be staged locally, and Nelson reiterated the authority’s commitment to weekly third‑party inspection and public communication as the project moves into construction.

Next steps: the Oklahoma Turnpike Board is scheduled to consider award at its upcoming meeting; if the board approves, construction would begin in 2026 with partial openings as described above.