A ribbon cutting and dedication was held Wednesday on a bridge this is the first of its kind in the state. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation held the ceremony for the
A ribbon cutting and dedication was held Wednesday on a bridge this is the first of its kind in the state.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation held the ceremony for the Concharty Bridge which is located on Garfield Road, just off Bixby Road, near Twin Hills.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal Construction and Federal Roads Program in partnership with Premier Steel completed construction on the structure which uses the Fast Cast Bridge System.
The road leading to Concharty United Methodist Church became impassable this spring due to recent flooding in the area. The road was repaired, but was washed away again due to the heavy rains.
“We were fortunate to be able to donate this project for the benefit of the community and the members of Concharty United Methodist Church and replace it with a more sound construction option,” Principal Chief James R. Floyd said.
Premier Steel reached out to MCN Secretary of Interior Jesse Allen about the development of their Fast Cast Bridge System, which provided an opportunity to model cutting edge technology in a rural community.
“It was our honor at Premier Steel to work with Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal Construction department and Federal Roads department to provide the Fast Cast Bridge for installation for the Concharty Bridge,” Premier Steel President Andy Vanaman said. “We believe the Fast Cast Bridge, which was installed in one day, will revolutionize bridge replacement and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation is leading the way.”
The new Concharty Bridge construction was efficient in time and cost, taking approximately eight hours from start to completion.
“A box culvert of this size would cost $50,000-60,000 and normally take two months. This is a turn-key job at $40,000 and takes a week to complete,” Tribal Construction Manager Steve Emerson said.
The Fast Cast Bridge System uses concrete, rebar and steel framing to create a bridge able to withstand a heavier load than a typical concrete bridge and rated for use on federal highways. The Concharty Bridge is more than a means for transportation; it is a passage to preserve the longstanding fellowship of the Muscogee (Creek) people.
Members of the National Council were joined by leaders from the Concharty United Methodist Church in the ribbon cutting ceremony.
