Timber Creek Bridge Undergoing Minor Repairs

The Timber Creek Bridge near Sayre, Oklahoma.

A beloved truss bridge in western Oklahoma is getting a little love before the Route 66 Centennial.

In Beckham County, northeast of Sayre, a yellow through-truss bridge has crossed over Timber Creek since the 1920s. It carried migrant farmers west as they sought a better life during the Dust Bowl and Depression and carried troops and materials east during World War II. In the post-war era, as travel increased, the two-lane road wasn’t able to keep up. Interstate 40 came along and relegated old 66, and the Timber Creek Bridge, to a frontage road.

Over the years, many historic bridges across the country have been lost due to damage, neglect, or obsolescence. In recent days, work crews have been spotted out at the Timber Creek Bridge and the Oklahoma Route 66 Association feared the worst for this old crossing. However, like with many other projects across the state, work is underway to prepare for Route 66’s Centennial in 2026.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation reports that they are repairing truss members that have been damaged over the years by trucks that were too tall for the bridge. Once this work is completed, these repairs will be primed and painted to match the existing yellow color.

It may not carry as many cars as it did in the days before the interstate, but the Timber Creek bridge is part of a national attraction that brings people to Oklahoma from all over the world. Whether it’s on their itinerary or a pleasant surprise as they meander west, the trip just wouldn’t be the same without it. Our thanks to ODOT for making these repairs and keeping it in good order for the years to come!