UPDATE: Imhoff Road remains closed between South Berry Road and Walnut Road; work is scheduled to begin no later than September 25, 2021.

On Thursday July 29, 2021, City staff discovered a structural concern regarding the existing Imhoff Road Bridge located over Imhoff Creek between Walnut Road and South Berry Road.  This bridge is nearly 50 years old and includes a large, concrete box culvert structure.  During investigation of this issue, City staff determined that the roadway over this structure was no longer safe for traffic or pedestrians due to on-going channel bank erosion and undermining of the concrete structure. This determination was further reinforced upon the initial site visit conducted by professional structural engineers.

Immediately after closure of this bridge, City staff and structural engineer H.W. Lochner began the process of evaluation and planning to determine the extent of work needed to repair the damaged structure and perform maintenance necessary to reopen roadway to traffic. On Tuesday, September 14, Norman City Council approved an emergency contract with Haskell Lemon Construction Company for reconstruction of all four wing walls attached to the bridge structure and repair of roadway. This work is scheduled to begin no later than September 25 and is expected to last for a duration of up to 180 days or as weather permits.

Imhoff Road remains closed between South Berry Road and Walnut Road until further notice. Traffic signs will remain in place to detour vehicles to South Berry Road for eastbound traffic and Chautauqua Avenue for westbound traffic. Drivers should plan extra travel time while work on this bridge is in progress. In the meantime, no existing homes or private improvements in the vicinity are in any danger nor is the existing Imhoff Creek drainage channel impeded in any way.

Please direct any questions or concerns you may have to Joseph Hill in the City of Norman Street Maintenance division at 405-329-2524.