Claremore Daily Progress

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  • Crews with District 1 and Belk Bridge Inc. work to build concrete boxes to support the structure. Salesha Wilken

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August 1, 2012

BRIDGING THE GAP: DeLozier takes a comprehensive approach to projects

Salesha Wilken Staff Reporter

CLAREMORE — Rogers County District 1 Commissioner Dan DeLozier is doing more than building a bridge in Rogers County, he is working to make safety a top priority.

In cooperation with Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), Belk Bridge Inc. and the Cherokee Nation, DeLozier is bringing this bridge project at Dog Creek near Sequoyah to completion.
The 130-foot bridge located at 450 Road, also known as Akin Road, is in the process of curing before dirt work will be completed.
The Cherokee Nation gave $1 million, which made this project possible, DeLozier explained.
Total estimated cost is expected to be $1,448,599.44.
DeLozier has been working on this project for a little more than three years and work is should be completed in early September.
ODOT governs bridgework in Oklahoma and has been performing routine inspections, according to DeLozier.
The project is bigger then just fixing an old, outdated bridge because it will help reduce flooding concerns for the area, he said.
The creek has tied into a singular stream to help prevent future flooding. The roadway and bridge was a safety issue, DeLozier explained.
Although the project may appear to be one dimensional, it is not that simple.
Neighbors near the project have voiced their concern about speeding and DeLozier has already started planning to address those concerns.
DeLozier is taking a comprehensive approach to road and bridge projects, making sure that each issue that can impact citizens is addressed.
DeLozier worked to insure environmental impact would be minimal.
Tree replacement is part of this project and new trees will be planted and monitored to ensure growth.
Crews saved as many trees as possible during the work including one very significant large “historical” tree.
DeLozier explained that his employees and the people he works with play a critical role in the project’s success.
“We always have road projects but my road foreman is extremely good,” DeLozier said. “We have good people, they know their job and do it well.”
District 1 budgets all the work they do and sometimes it takes a little extra time to ensure it is the best use of the tax payer’s money, according to DeLozier.
He explained that this project, although considered to be a major project, was conducted fundamentally like each project that is done in District 1.
“I am going to make sure everything we do is legal,” DeLozier said. “I have had things that I have had to say, ‘no we are not going to do that.’”
DeLozier will be working to complete a number of road projects through the end of the year and appreciates input from the citizens of his district.
For more information about this project, contact the District 1 office at (918) 789-2279.

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